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Naiyerah Sprow, 3, and her brother Naki, 5, watch their sparklers sizzle at Old Mill Park. |
Local fire marshals are warning people that fireworks should be handled carefully over the Fourth of July weekend.
"Fireworks are not toys," Harold "Jay" Babcock, Fredericksburg's fire marshal, said. "They can cause deep and disfiguring scars [or] cause eye injuries leading to permanent vision loss," he said.
The National Fire Protection Association reports that thousands of people--most often children and teens--are injured while using consumer fireworks on the Fourth of July.
The risks are greater for for children ages 5 to 14.
In past years, sparklers have been the main cause for injuries.
"Most calls we get are from kids who are burned from sparklers or from someone stepping on the hot wire part of sparklers," Babcock said.
According to the NFPA, tips of sparklers burn at temperatures greater than 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, which can result in third-degree burns.
Fireworks have also caused fires.
Babcock said that about 25,000 fires are started each year by fireworks nationwide, resulting in 9,000 injuries and about $17 million in property damage and loss.
On Independence Day, more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for half of those fires, more than any other cause, according to the NFPA.
Fire marshals and deputy fire marshals will be on the lookout for illegal fireworks.
The Fredericksburg Fire Marshal's Office said additional deputy fire marshals and the police department will enforce an aggressive plan to seize illegal fireworks this weekend.
"Usually, every year we have one or two fire marshals, but this year we'll have four plus the police department," Babcock said.
Summonses will be issued or misdemeanors charged against people caught selling illegal fireworks.
Stafford's Fire and Rescue Department will increase their force for the Fourth with six teams of two--one fire marshal and one firefighter--to drive around the county. The Spotsylvania Fire and Rescue Department will have three fire marshals on call for the holiday weekend.
Fire marshals and the NFPA urge people to find other forms of entertainment this Independence Day.
"The best way to enjoy fireworks is to visit public fireworks displays put on by professionals who know how to safely handle fireworks," Babcock said.
Fireworks will shoot from Brooks Park over the Rappahannock River at 9:15 p.m. on the Fourth. Pratt Park will be open for visitors to watch the show.
Jennifer Neff 540/374-5000 ext. 5617
Email: jneff@freelancestar.com
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Purchase fireworks from a licensed, permitted stand. Never use fireworks indoors. Have a garden hose or fire extinguisher nearby, and know how to properly operate the fire extinguisher. Wait 20 minutes, then soak used firework in a bucket of water. Never experiment or make your own. Never relight a "dud" firework. Never shoot or throw fireworks at people. Read directions and warning labels. If the fireworks do not have warning labels or directions, do not light them. Do not allow young children to play with fireworks. |
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Legal: Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code Act, Chapter 9 Section 27-95.
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