BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) -
Americans will mark the nation's 236th birthday on July 4th.
Many will honor the holiday with fireworks. That has first responders urging people to be careful if you want to celebrate with a bang.
Fireworks are banned within the parish of East Baton Rouge and the following cities: Baker, Brusly, Denham Springs, Gonzales, New Roads, Port Allen, Walker and Zachary.
While some of the safety measures may sound like common sense, the statistics from July 4th related fires are staggering.
"There were 15,500 fires that were caused from fireworks alone," said Baton Rouge Fire Department's Curt Monte.
Statistics from the National Fire Protection Agency show thousands of fires nationwide for the latest year available, 2010. Those fires sent more 8,600 people to emergency rooms.
"Of those 8,600 injuries, 43% of those injuries were from sparklers and novelty items that most parents think are the safest, but unfortunately they're not. Those sparklers can burn as much as 1,200 degrees, and it's not something you really want in your child's possession," said Monte.
It's why officials say never popping fireworks while holding them in your hands. They suggest you go to professional firework displays instead. Plus, State Fire Marshal Butch Browning said the recent soaring temperatures and lack of rain can ignite trouble.
"Though it is dry, though it is hot, it is the right condition for an ember from a firework to start a wild land fire," said Browning.
If you insist on lighting up on your own, here are some safety measures:
- Keep cars, buildings or any piles of debris at least 300 feet from where you're lighting up.
- Make sure to have a water hose or bucket of water nearby.
- Light one firework at a time and quickly move away.
- Never point or throw fireworks at people, pets, cars or buildings.
- Adults should always supervise, especially for children 15 and younger
"Of that 8,600, over half of those injured were from the ages of 5 to 15 years old," said Monte.
Sky lantern fireworks have been banned for July 4th because of the dry conditions.
If caught breaking the law, it is a misdemeanor summons.
For a complete list of events for this July 4th, click here.
Copyright
2012 WAFB. All rights reserved.
