An estimated 15,000 emergency room visits caused last year nationwide by fireworks.
Algood Fire Chief David Judd said fireworks are small explosives. Depending on the type, Judd said people should stay at least 25-50 feet away. Judd said one of the most common mistakes people make is using fireworks in an unsafe place.
“You don’t want it on a hill point pointing towards anyone,” Judd said. “Never want to point a firework at anyone. You want a good flat area away from trees, away from brush, piles, away from rubbish piles, and trees is a big one. We get a lot of fireworks shot into trees, and then the fire spreads that way.”
Judd said sparklers cause more injuries to kids under the age of five than any other firework. Judd said adult supervision or using fun alternatives such as glow sticks and LED toys are great ways to ensure the safety of children.
“We don’t want kids getting hurt,” Judd said. “It’s supposed to be a great fun celebration of our nation’s birth, so constant supervision. Be very selective about what fireworks that they can handle.”
Last summer, the Upper Cumberland was very dry due to a drought. Judd said recent rainfall this year does reduce the risk of a firework starting a fire.
“The dry weather last year, like you mentioned, everything was primed,” Judd said. “So with the wetter weather, it does help that there is more moisture in the grass and more moisture in the trees.”
Judd said do not try to relight a firework if the firework does not explode. Judd said relighting the firework can cause the firework to explode immediately. Judd said to wait 20 minutes and then soak the dud firework in water.
Judd said people should call 911 immediately if a fire is started, as trying to fight a fire alone can lead to people getting burned.
