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Officials urge caution with fireworks
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Published: July 4, 2009
Caution: Colorful sparkly pyrotechnics can cause fires.
It's a warning the N.C. Insurance Commissioner, State Fire Marshal Wayne Goodwin and local fire departments hope residents heed this Independence Day as they dance around with sparklers.
"I encourage North Carolinians to take advantage of professional fireworks displays in their area," Goodwin said. "It's the only way to make sure you or a loved one doesn't end up spending part of the holiday in an emergency room with a fireworks related injury."
More fires are reported on July 4 across the country each year than on any other day, and fireworks make up half of those fires, according to a news release from the State Fire Marshal's Office. In 2008, 29 fires across the state were started by fireworks.
While fireworks that fly, spin, zoom or leave the ground in any way are illegal, even "legal" ones, including sparklers, are dangerous.
In 2007, hospital emergency rooms across the country treated an estimated 9,800 people for fireworks-related injuries. Children received 40 percent of these injuries, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
There aren't a lot of local firework related fires usually, aside from the occasional grass fire, according to Statesville Fire Department Capt. Frank Carter and Troutman Fire Department Capt. Jody Miller.
"The potential is always there," Carter said. "Especially when you have alcohol involved."
Both captains recommended revelers stay away from grassy areas as well as houses or outbuildings.
Fireworks should be lit on a gravel driveway or on a paved surface, Miller said.
Children should not be allowed to light fireworks on their own, said Carter.
People should be careful not to catch their clothes on fire.
"If someone is being careful with it, especially under adult supervision, they should be fine," Miller said.
For those who choose to shoot off illegal fireworks, Miller said they should be careful and watch where the embers land just in case they ignite something.
"I remember one year you could sit here and see them going up all around," Miller said.
If residents really want to shoot something off, they should keep a hose or a water bucket around to squash any flames that come up, he said.
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