Handle fireworks with care on the Fourth

Planning to light up the night on the Fourth of July?

The extreme heat combined with all the dried trees and bushes in Valley neighborhoods is creating some potential dangers when people are setting off fireworks. “Basically, if it flies or explodes, it’s illegal for recreational use”.

“Fireworks are completely illegal within the city limits”.

Most areas allow cylindrical or cone fountains, sparklers, toy smoke devices, snakes and glow worms.

Sparklers can be just as risky as fireworks.

FAA regulations prohibit the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage.

Penalties for fireworks violations in Colorado include fines ranging from $120-$2,750 and up to a year behind bars.

Last weekend, a bottle rocket started Bend’s first fireworks-caused house fire of the year. “Fireworks, along with sparklers and other related devices, are extremely risky”. Most of the remaining injuries were to parts of the head (38 percent), including the eye (16 percent of total).

Most of the time, these injuries happen because the fireworks ignite unexpectedly or because of inappropriate usage, the CPSC said.

Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and they could pose a danger to consumers, Drzewiecki says. “A sparkler, that little innocent looking sparkler burns at about 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, so the injuries from those to children can be devastating”.

“Keep anyone watching a safe distance away from where you are shooting off the fireworks and never attempt to re-light, alter, or fix any firework item”.

Public fireworks displays conducted by trained professionals and supervised by local fire departments are the smartest and safest way to enjoy fireworks.

Never point or throw fireworks, or try to pick up or relight fireworks that have not fully ignited.

Howerter said he has seen patients who suffered fractured bones, had arms and legs blown off and one person almost split in half by fireworks.

“You need to make sure you have a bucket of water, a hose that’s ready and charged, maybe even wet the area down”, Secontine said.