Bellbrook Fire/EMS: Bellbrook, Ohio

In the end, leave the fireworks to the professionals!

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BELLBROOK FIRE/EMS

The Fourth of July weekend tends to be a very relaxing break from the busy summer. But Bellbrook firefighters want to remind citizens that fireworks are incredibly dangerous, and in the end, it's simply best to leave the fireworks to the professionals.

"So often, people think that an accident won't happen to them," Hall said. "All it takes is one look at the injury statistics to see that the odds are really against those who choose to take the risk."

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 8,500 people were treated at hospital emergency departments for fireworks injuries in 1999. Of those, 45 percent were under the age of 15.

And while the statistics represent data for an entire year, more than half of these injuries occur during the first week of July.

"The number of injuries has gone down in the last three years," Hall noted, "but the most recent statistics still show a substantial number of preventable injures from fireworks."

Also of concern are the temperatures at which some fireworks burn. Sparklers, popular among children, can reach temperatures of 2000 degrees Fahrenheit.

"Fireworks can not only lead to injury, but they also pose a fire risk, especially when used near areas of dry leaves, grass or other yard debris," Captain Phil Michael said. "Even when legal fireworks like sparklers are used, careless disposal can lead to brush and field fires."

The National Fire Data Center estimates that, in 1998, more than 6,000 fires and $8 million in damage was caused by improper use and disposal of fireworks.

Keeping a fire extinguisher, garden hose or even a bucket of water nearby can help prevent a much larger fire.

In the end, though, Hall suggests visiting a public fireworks display instead of recreating one in your backyard.

"There are just too many reasons not to use fireworks," Hall said. "Not only are the public shows great, but they're done in a controlled environment, reducing the possibility of someone getting injured."

For more information, visit Bellbrook Fire's Safe Place on the web at http://www.bellbrookfire.org/safe.

Release I00-05
June 29, 2000