A half-full barrel of firecrackers was set off early Saturday outside the home of a Lawrence woman who spoke out earlier this year in favor of a fireworks ban.

“I think this is a direct retaliation toward me for my stance on banning fireworks,” Pat Sinclair said.

Sinclair said she was awakened about 3 a.m. by what sounded like exploding fireworks outside her home in the 300 block of Johnson Avenue.

Several hours later, after daybreak, Sinclair went outside and noticed the barrel, which had been placed up against the street curb in front of her house, she said. It appeared to be half-full of small firecrackers, some of which were still going off, she said.

Shortly before noon Sinclair called police, who in turn called Lawrence-Douglas County Fire & Medical. Firefighters poured water into the barrel and police officers then confiscated it.

The incident frightened Sinclair, who had spoke in favor of the fireworks ban during Lawrence City Commission meetings this year. The ban has since been approved by commissioners.

“I think whoever did this is a coward, a thug, and certainly not a patriot,” Sinclair said.