Fireworks, playing it safe

Fireworks stands are popping up all over town, and the kids are begging for a chance to light some up and celebrate July Fourth with some color and noise.

However, fire and law enforcement officials warn common sense needs to apply when using any type of fireworks.

“Always use common sense, especially with the extremely dry conditions we have right now,” said Corning Fire Chief Martin Spannaus.

Fire officials remind residents that it is illegal  to possess, sell or purchase any consumer fireworks that do not have the state fire marshal seal of approval.

Illegal fireworks – with street names like M-80s, bottle rockets and crackers – are extremely unstable, and have the greatest potential for harm because they are more powerful and because they do not meet any safety or quality standards.

“Fireworks can be unpredictable, even the legal ones, and illegal fireworks can lead to severe injuries,” Spannaus said. “That is why it is so important to use them in a cleared, open area with plenty of water at hand and always with adult supervision.”

The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that in 2007, hospital emergency rooms in the U.S. treated an estimated 9,800 people for fireworks-related injuries. Of those, 56 percent were injuries to extremities while 36 percent were to the head.

In addition to the safety risk, the U.S. Fire Administration reports that fireworks cause an estimated $35 million in property damage each year, most of which occurs on the Fourth of July.

City and county fire department personnel will patrol the city for illegal use of fireworks this holiday weekend.

“The Fourth of July always poses a challenge for firefighters,” said Mickie Jakez, Cal Fire information officer. “The combination of dry vegetation and enthusiastic patriots lighting fireworks can easily spell disaster.”

She said weather forecast for this weekend is hot, dry and windy.

“We will be enforcing a strict ‘no tolerance’ policy toward illegal fireworks and explosives,” said Jakez.

Violators in the county and city will be cited and illegal fireworks in their possession will be confiscated. Those in possession could be fined up to $1,000 and spend time in jail.

Spannaus admonishes only fireworks labeled “safe and sane” and purchased from reliable vendors around the county be used for celebration.

“We want everyone to have a happy and safe Fourth of July and that means obeying the laws,” he said.

All fireworks should be disposed of property by soaking them in water before throwing them away in the trash.

WHERE TO BUY ‘SAFE AND SANE’ FIREWORKS

• New Life Assembly, 660 Solano St.
• Corning Rural Fire Department, Sixth and Solano streets
• Corning Exchange Club, Toomes and Solano streets  

Contact Julie R. Johnson at 824-5464 or jjohnson@tcnpress.com