I live near Sacramento CA. I was minding my own business launching my Estes model rockets last Saturday. just as I did the final launch some guy on his motor cycle turned around and came back. He got off the bike and started calling on his cell phone. I gathered up my rockets and launch equipment and walked to my truck. The guy came up to me very irritated and told me that he worked for the fire department. He said he had just called in a report on me using illegal fireworks. I was flabbergasted. I said these aren't fire works. They are Estes Model rockets. They can be purchased at any hobby store. He just yelled at me "if it smokes and it flies it is an illegal fire work". He then asked without giving me time to respond, "Is it smoke or steam. Is it smoke or steam. Is it smoke or steam". I said it was smoke. I pulled out one of my C6-7 engines and handed it to him, saying, "This is what they are. They aren't suppose to blow up like fire works" (did not tell him that I've had one do just that). He said I don't know about these. All I know is that if it smokes and it flies it is illegal. Finally after trying for several minutes to convince him that it was no fire work he asked if he could take the motor to the fire station and ask the other firemen if they knew anything about them. I said sure. Once again he threatened me that if it did not check out I would be arrested. He then said do I have to turn in your licence plate number or are you going to give me your name and phone number. I politely said I'll give you my name and number.
This kind of experience makes one want to either give up the hobby or jump to the next higher skill level just for spite! How should I deal with idiots like this fine fireman?
By the way I have not heard a word from either the police nor the fire department and it has been 5 days since the incident.
KT