Jeremy Williams, Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory’s Fire Marshal, right, chats with Tom Richard, left, an employee at Speed Rockets Fireworks in Warsaw about fireworks safety. Photo by Phoebe Muthart.

By Phoebe Muthart
Staff Writer

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — Each Fourth of July, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks of devastating burns, other injuries, fires and even death.

Every year, before the Fourth of July, doctors and firefighters warn about the dangers of fireworks. And every year, the number of fireworks injuries grows. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission wants to change that.

In the past 15 years, fireworks-related injuries increased 25%, the CPSC stated in a new report. At least nine people died in accidents involving fireworks, and 11,500 people made emergency room visits because of firework injuries last year, according to CPSC.

In addition to bodily harm, property damage from fireworks is also a major problem. The National Fire Protection Association’s data said fireworks caused nearly 20,000 fires in 2018. Local fire departments reported nearly 2,000 of the fires were structure fires, 500 were vehicle fires, and 17,000 were outside and other places.

Jeremy Williams, Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory’s Fire Marshal, said the department has responded to many fireworks accidents and injuries and even fires caused by fireworks. Williams said the most common causes of incidents are people drinking alcohol, the heat and people using poor judgment.

Twenty eight percent of fires are started by fireworks on July 4.

“Alcohol and fireworks don’t go together, he said. “Children under 18 should be supervised by an adult.”

He said Indiana has laws regarding fireworks, which are very important to follow.

“Laws are meant for a reason,” Williams said.

He said the most common fireworks injuries are to the hands, especially from sparklers.

Williams advice is to closely follow the directions on the fireworks’ packages.

He said while attending professional fireworks, do not be in the “fallout zone.” This is where fireworks debris falls to the ground.

At home, pay close attention when setting off fireworks.

“Know your surroundings,” he said, adding especially when setting them off at home. “Know your wind directions, too.”

He also said paper lanterns that light up are very dangerous as they can fall and ignite a fire, therefore he advises against them.

He advises setting off legal fireworks in a larger area, not in a residential neighborhood.

“Never re-light a dud, either,” he said. “Have a water source and a hose nearby and follow burn bans in your county.”

Visit in.gov/ai/dhs/burnban.pdf to see local burn bans.

“Last summer we had a lot,” he said of burn bans.

Do not shoot off fireworks in heat and humid conditions, Williams advised.

Also, know the rules for when you can set off fireworks, which in Warsaw is from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

For more fireworks safety tips, visit in.gov/dhs/get-prepared/fire-safety/fireworks-safety or nfpa.org.