Fireworks Safety by Mark Havener, Fire Chief District 3

As we progress through the wonderful summer we are coming up on the Annual 4^th of July celebration. In past years this celebration seems to extend itself over a period of days and creates some cause for concern in our area with the use of fireworks to show our excitement of the holiday.

The members of Fire District No. 3 would like to take a couple of moments to discuss some fireworks safety with you, our residents.

There are three key elements concerning Fireworks safety-

Be Prepared, Be Safe, and Be Responsible.

Be Prepared.

ð If possible celebrate with others by attending a public display. I understand that locally we are limited in offerings of public fireworks but this is the Safest way to observe and be a part of a fireworks celebration.

ð Before Lighting Fireworks, but only Legal fireworks from licensed stands. Many times we see illegal fireworks being used. They are ILLEGAL! The use of legal fireworks limits the potential of injury and damage to property by using safe controlled fireworks.

ð Follow our local laws and use common sense.

ð Be careful with animals. Pets should be in a safe comfortable area. Many pets have extreme stress as a result of all of the noise associated with fireworks. Be considerate of your neighbors and their pets.

Be Safe

ð Lighting of Fireworks should only be done by responsible adults. Too many times we see the inappropriate use of fireworks. Sometimes this is done by unsupervised young people and unfortunately being done by adults. Remember to light your fireworks with safety in mind.

ð Do not throw fireworks or hole them in your hand. Many traumatic injuries have occurred in the past by people using fireworks in unsafe ways.

ð Never re-light a “Dud.” Dud should be disposed of after wetting in water. Do not dispose of these in a fire or in the trash until there are completely dead.

ð Light one firework at a time and move away quickly.

ð Have a safe area free from burnable materials and have a safe escape area free from hazards.

Be Responsible

ð After you finish, clean up the debris leftover, soak used fireworks in a bucket of water.

ð Be aware of the fire danger level. Many years, in the early part of July, we see some of our hottest and driest weather. These conditions lead to many fires as a result of the use of fireworks. These fires not only involve our wooded and grassy areas but can also involve structures in the area.

ð Be aware of windy weather as well. Winds have a tendency to blow fireworks where we don’t want them.

ð Thoroughly inspect all areas after fireworks are used to ensure that there are no smoldering fires in the area.

Some other good resources for fireworks safety are on the internet;

ð www.fireworks.com/safety/tips.asp,

ð www.fireworksafety.com/,

ð legal information- The State of Washington Revised code RCW 70.77 http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx, specifics can be found here.

ð Check with local law enforcement for additional rules and regulations.

We hope that this year we all have a safe and common sense use of fireworks!