As the Fourth of July approaches people are likely getting ready to celebrate the birth of America by gathering friends and family to barbecue in the backyard and possibly set off some fireworks. There's nothing wrong with creating your very own pyrotechnic extravaganza, as long as doing so is legal in your area, but it is imperative that some safety rules are followed.
In many areas of the country the weather has been incredibly warm and dry so far this summer and that leads to the possibility of errant fireworks sparking fires. Mike Apicello, spokesman for the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, spoke with CNN about this very danger.
"What people don't realize is while they're setting off fireworks and sparklers in this hot, dry heat or wind, that fires can move very quickly, putting their neighborhood directly in threat," Apicello said. "Look for open, wide spaces to ignite fireworks, and stay away from fire fuels such as grass, which in this type of heat, will go up really fast."
While the danger presented by open fields of dry, dead grass is obvious people who live in more urban areas often think that they are at less risk of causing a fire. Apicello explained that this is a fallacy.
"And with the high winds, all it takes is an ignition, even in an urban environment," Apicello said. "A bottle rocket on a shake roof would ignite a fire very rapidly. Our fire resources are going to be very busy across the nation this July Fourth, so please use caution."
Each year fireworks are responsible for an estimated 17,800 fires and 9,600 emergency room visits, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Here are some additional safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association to follow to make sure that you have a safe celebration.
- Use fireworks only in wide open areas away from trees and buildings.
- Light only one firework at a time.
- Do not point fireworks at people or animals.
- Keep a bucket of water and a garden hose nearby.
- Always have an adult nearby when discharging fireworks.
- Never light fireworks under the influence of alcohol.
- Never shoot fireworks indoors.
- Do not use or create homemade fireworks.
