I motion it to now be known as uncommon sense

Motion seconded.

And with that Motion Passed...

Well, at least not in California.

That's a classic Voltaire quote.

You're going to spend it on your cat aren't you?

I'll take that wager! Seeing as it was common sense not to do it the first time, who's to say he won't have the urge to say, "hey, maybe it'll work next time!"

YDI, it's Karma for doing something stupid like firecrackers in a residential area... He's just lucky it didn't land on someone else's roof and cost him even more.

22, first that's not exactly karma, secondly, why would it cost more to repair a different roof? Oh and lastly, nice thread jacking there

It would cost more because he would need to pay for both the roof repair and the legal costs, in addition to fines and community service.

Boooo!

Because OP thought it'd be too extreme if he set off fireworks in his house.

DUCKFACE!!!!

Reading comprehension: get some.

Are you that stupid?

Actually I have a feeling that OP fully understands this. Now, at least.

Beer and/or pot?

A smouldering piece of firecracker could have taken hours to set a fire, especially if it was damp outdoors. Fires can spread pretty quickly, but the type of roof is also a factor. Less likely to spread as fast on a tin roof - but once it found some kindling? Off it went. My neighbour's roof caught fire last fall because the neighbour behind her was burning things in a wood stove in his yard (one he isn't supposed to have, according to by-laws) - a tiny spark landed in her gutters, which hadn't yet been cleared of leaves. It took about an hour for flames to show up - if it had been really dry, it could have gone up in seconds and taken the whole house with it. Luckily she was out in her backyard with the dog when it happened - she called 911 from her cell and grabbed the garden hose, managed to get the worst of it before the firefighters came. But messing with firecrackers/fireworks in a residential area is a pretty stupid thing to do. Even if we're using sparklers to celebrate, we always go out to the road (far enough from trees/homes/grass) in case someone drops one or something unexpected happens.

If it burned slow/low enough... It could just smolder through the night. especially if they live somewhere damp.