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Lewes cracks down on fireworks

July 5, 2017

As nightfall neared on July 4 in Lewes, police officers, city employees and members of the state fire marshal were meeting people at the beach to educate them that fireworks are illegal in Delaware.

Two police officers met each car as it entered the main beach parking lot near Dairy Queen, while a city vehicle blocked the back entrance to the lot. At the Beach 2 parking lot, a city employee handed out fliers as cars pulled in. Farther up the beach, officers patrolled the beach as families and visitors enjoyed the cool Fourth of July evening. 

About 9 p.m., someone on the east end of the beach, near the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, defied the warnings and set off a barrage of fireworks. The display lasted a few minutes and received applause from beachgoers who expected to see fireworks. Only a few other people launched fireworks, however, as the activity on Lewes Beach was considerably less than in previous years. 

The crackdown is the result of a letter and visit to city hall from the state fire marshal, who said Lewes is always among the worst offenders during the Fourth of July holiday. 

Editor’s note: This article has been updated with new information. 

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