June 27, 2019 - The American traditions of parades, cookouts, and fireworks help us celebrate the summer season, especially our nation's birthday on the Fourth of July. However, fireworks can turn a joyful celebration into a painful memory when children and adults are injured while using fireworks.
Did you know sparklers can reach 1800 Degrees Fahrenheit – hot enough to melt gold? The following firework statistics are taken from the Indiana State Department of Health’s 2017 Indiana Firework-Related Injury Report: In 2017, 77 percent of all reported firework injuries occurred from July 1-7, and 39.5 percent of all firework injuries occurred on July 4. More than one-third of all reported firework-related injuries were to hands or fingers. Eye injuries accounted for 11.7 percent of the total number of injuries. 49 percent of the injuries were caused by firecrackers, rockets and sparklers. Firework use on private property accounted for 61.3 percent of reported cases.
Safety is always the key to any activity and this includes fireworks. For your safety as well as that of your loved ones, neighbours and the community, the Fort Wayne Fire Department suggests you enjoy your fireworks at a professional event. If you do purchase fireworks for private use, the FWFD encourages you to use them responsibly and take the necessary safety precautions.
- Never let children handle, play with, or light any fireworks.
- Always read directions and warning labels on fireworks. If a device is not marked with the contents, directions, and warning label, do not light it!
- Please remember to be considerate of your neighbors and their property.
- Please remember that sudden, loud explosive noises, flashes of light and the smell of powder may trigger unwanted memories for some. “Please be courteous with fireworks.”
- Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
- While setting off fireworks, eye and hand protection should be worn at all times to avoid burns.
- Use in a clear, open area. Keep the audience a safe distance away from the shooting site.
- Remember to use care with fireworks in the vicinity of your launch zone. Sparks from active fireworks can ignite idle fireworks and cause injury. Fireworks awaiting use should be kept in a closed container to prevent falling sparks from inadvertently igniting them.
- Light only one firework at a time.
- Never hold fireworks in your hand to light.
- Never attempt to re-light, alter, or fix any "dud" firework item.
- Do not alter any fireworks device or make your own fireworks.
- Have a fire extinguisher, water supply, hose, or bucket of water nearby.
- Soak your used fireworks in water before properly disposing of them.
- Adults should clean up after the show and the next day when you can see the area to prevent harm from an unexploded or dud firework to anyone, particularly a child.
- Please remember to be considerate of your pets, as fireworks can cause them a great deal of stress.
City of Fort Wayne dates and times for the use of consumer fireworks are as follows:
June 29 through July 3, July 5 through July 9 between the hours of 5:00 p.m. to two hours after sunset (11:00 p.m.), July 4th between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 midnight.
The Fort Wayne Fire Department encourages you to practice fire safety as you celebrate the 4th of July holiday with your families and friends.