Firefighters Promote Fireworks Safety

Fireworks add immensely to our enjoyment of the Fourth of July holiday and to keep your family safe, the City of Branson Firefighters urge you to Celebrate Safely when purchasing and discharging fireworks for display.

Missouri residents are encouraged to also know their local laws for sales and display of fireworks as several communities have banned their sale and use. In the City of Branson, fireworks may be purchased from June 20 through July 10 and discharged from 7 a.m. to Midnight on July 3 and 4 only.

Fires and injury are two common results when fireworks are not used properly according to the fire department. “We encourage residents to follow instructions on the label of all the different types of fireworks,” stated Fire Chief Ted Martin. “Fireworks should never be held in the hand and safety glasses should be used. It takes just seconds to of ‘fun’ to lose an eye, or to experience burns or traumatic injury,” added Martin. Even seemingly harmless, sparklers cause many injuries. For children under the age of five, sparklers account for three-quarters of all fireworks injuries. Fascinated by the bright sparks, little children may wrap their hands around a stick of fire that maintain temperatures reaching 1800 degrees.

Following injuries, fireworks cause thousands of fires each year across the nation. Lighters, matches, and projectile-type fireworks are the leading causes of fires during the Fourth of July holiday. A misguided bottle rocket landing on a roof may start a devastating fire, for example. Even with rainfall averages above normal over the past weeks, firefighters also have a deep concern for fireworks causing grass and brush fires.

As a safety reminder, firefighters offer these simple tips; always purchase fireworks form reliable fireworks stands that sell only Class C (common) or 1-4.G fireworks, follow the label directions carefully and use common sense. Fireworks activities should always be done under the close supervision of an adult, never point fireworks at another person. Use fireworks only in a clear area outside away from buildings and vehicles, never shoot fireworks in a metal or glass container, light only one item at a time and move away quickly. Finally, always keep a water source close such as buckets of water or a garden hose to cool used fireworks completely and to extinguish any small fire.

If you or your family has any questions concerning fireworks and their safe usage, feel free to contact the Branson Fire Department’s Technical Services Division at (417) 243-2790.