By Amy Batista, Special Writer
MILLSTONE — The sound of firecrackers exploding in the sky during the Fourth of July led to safety concerns during the Township Committee meeting July 18.
”We have an ordinance in place, and it’s illegal to shoot fireworks in Millstone at any time, and that includes July Fourth, post or pre,” Mayor Nancy Grbelja said. “There were some people from what I’ve been told that had fireworks better than Great Adventure, and that’s really just not appropriate in a town that has this much housing, trees and fields as we have. Somebody is going to get hurt. This was the last year.”
Mayor Grbelja’s primary concern was that the use of fireworks could cause a brush or structure fire, given the dry conditions. She also was interested in the safety of residents and animals in the area.
She said there is an ordinance regarding fireworks, and to help resolve the problem, the township will have a code enforcement officer on duty next year to issue summonses.
”Especially this year, we had a very dry year,” she said. “We have lots of trees, we have lots of animals, we have lots of people that live here, and I’m gonna tell you, there was a tremendous number of complaints.”
She added, “Those residents in areas where there are a large number of horses, agricultural fields or wooded areas were concerned for their safety. The recent hot weather provides an increased opportunity for a fire to occur in addition to the problem associated with animals that become frightened and, therefore, are uncontrollable.”
Mayor Grbelja said she received complaints of fireworks being shot near Millstone Road, Crest Circle, Stoney Brook Drive, Back Bone Hill Road and Route 524.
”That could’ve really caused extensive damage,” Mayor Grbelja said.
Mayor Grbelja said, “The Township Committee last year unanimously changed our ordinance so that a homeowner is held responsible for any firework activity originating from their property. Next year, the township will have code enforcement on duty, and summonses will be issued.”
According to the ordinance, those manufacturing, selling, transporting or using fireworks or allowing the use of them on their property is in violation. The ordinance defines fireworks as “any combustible or explosive composition or any substance or combination of substances or article prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or an audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration or detonation.”

