Fireworks can be cool to watch, but perhaps too hot in the hands of amateurs,.
Many local public safety officials are urging folks to shun the use of illegal fireworks and consider attending one of the many public, professional displays scheduled.
“Every year we see injuries and property damage caused by fireworks,” said Steve Sherman, fire marshal for Snohomish County Fire District 1 also serving Mountlake Terrace and Brier.
A few years ago, fireworks sparked a fire that caused $250,000 worth of damage at Hilltop Elementary School east of Lynnwood.
Leslie Hynes, spokeswoman for Fire District 1 and Mountlake Terrace said Fire District 1 has had other major structure fires on the holiday as well.
According to Sherman, the danger is not just to property. In recent years, fire officials have seen patients who have lost fingers or suffered serious eye injuries from fireworks.
Children are at the greatest risk from fireworks, whether as spectators or active participants, fire officials said. Fire departments and hospitals across the state reported 699 fireworks injuries last year including four amputations, according to the Washington State Patrol.
Most of the injuries were caused by high-powered illegal fireworks, such as M-80s, and most were to males age 12 to 21 holding those fireworks in their hands, she said.
Actions by children under the age of 18 are the legal responsibility of parents, officials said. Misuse of fireworks causing death, injury, or property loss could incur civil liability, said Terri Jones, spokeswoman for Northshore Fire Department, which covers Lake Forest Park, Kenmore and unincorporated areas of King County.
Lynnwood, in particular, this year is cracking down on those who violate fireworks laws, said Lynnwood Police Cmdr. Paul Watkins.
Lynnwood police will have extra officers on duty to cover fireworks related calls only, he said.
“We are taking a three-phased approach to the activities associated with the July 4 celebration,” Watkins said. “This approach encompasses education, enforcement and the fireworks event at Lynnwood High School.”
Shows are also scheduled for Edmonds, Seattle and Everett.
For those who feel their Independence Day celebration wouldn’t be complete without fireworks, fire officials recommend attending a public display put on by trained professionals.
While fire officials recommend attending a public display as the safest way to experience the flash and boom of Independence Day, they offer these suggestions for those who still plan to purchase and set off their own fireworks:
• Have a responsible adult present.
• Have a charged garden hose or water extinguisher handy.
• Use fireworks outdoors, away from buildings, trees and dry fields.
• Read and follow label directions.
• Do not alter or experiment with fireworks – treat them with respect.
• Avoid aerial fireworks.
• Light one item at a time, move away quickly and keep a safe distance.
• Never hold lighted fireworks in your hand.
• Do not attempt to re-light devices that do not function or explode.
• Dispose of used fireworks by first soaking them in water.
• Use only approved, legal fireworks purchased from reliable, state-licensed retailers.
• Never use fireworks in a crowd or throw them at people, pets, or moving vehicles. Also, according to public transportation officials, fireworks of any kind aren’t allowed on public transportation.
• Keep pets indoors. Be sure they have identification tags in case they run away.
It is illegal to possess or discharge firecrackers, bottle rockets and skyrockets, Sherman said. Adding, “it’s important to know the restrictions that apply in your community and follow those rules.”
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