Thursday afternoon, Omaha mayor Jean Stothert will make her recommendation on changing the city's fireworks ordinance.
She wants the city council to shorten the length of time people can shoot them off from ten days down to five days.
The mayor says it is a compromise that allows for celebrating the Fourth of July holiday while being sensitive to noise concerns, property damage, scared pets and people who suffer from PTSD.
A member of the Mayor's Military Advisory Committee said non-stop fireworks for up eight days reminds veterans of combats.
Additionally, Mark Langen with the Nebraska Humane Society said that the number of stray dogs in the city rises because several run away because of the sound of fireworks each year.
Stothert said between June 30-July 3, she would like to see the ordinance allow for fireworks to be used between noon and 11 p.m. and 8 a.m. - 11 p.m. on the 4th of July, which are the current hours for all 10 days. She believes the limited hours and days would not affect non-profits who benefit from firework stands this time of year.
"Hopefully they will still make a good profit every year on those stands but I think other issues definitely outweigh those non profits making money," Mayor Stothert described.
Last year, there were 424 complaints about fireworks and just like last year, there will be extra police officers on "firework patrol."
