This year, play it safe with fireworks

For most people, fireworks and the Fourth of July go together like apple pie and ice cream. But fireworks – especially illegal fireworks – are extremely dangerous and often lead to debilitating injuries or even death.

“There is a reason firecrackers and bottle rockets are illegal,” said Colusa Fire Chief Randy Dunn. “They are dangerous.”

Fire officials around the county remind residents celebrating Independence Day with fireworks that it is illegal to posses, 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.

“The problem with these out-of-state or out-of-country fireworks is that they are unpredictable,” Dunn said. “They fly around and you can’t predict where they will land. Or they can go off in your face or blow off your fingers.”

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.

Colusa Fire Department personnel will patrol the city for illegal use of fireworks, Dunn said.

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

Although legal, all fireworks pose a safety and fire risk.

Dunn advises only lighting fireworks outdoors on a flat service and only under adult supervision. He also recommends having a water hose or bucket of water nearby.

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

FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS

Purchase fireworks from reliable vendors
Never allow children to handle fireworks
Follow the law; use common sense
Use fireworks on a hard surface away from structures
Use in clear, open area away from dry grass
Light only one firework item at a time
Don’t attempt to relight “duds”
Have water close by

Soak in water before disposing extinguished fireworks 

Never light illegal fireworks