Officials urge fireworks safety as Fourth of July draws closer
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PARKERSBURG -- People are being reminded to stay safe this Fourth of July when dealing with fireworks.
Parkersburg Fire Chief Jason Matthews reminds people that fireworks are very dangerous and the City of Parkersburg has an ordinance to prevent the use of fireworks.
"One of the best ways to enjoy the fireworks is to go to one of the shows, like Parkersburg is having July 4 or another one," he said. "That is the safest way to enjoy the fireworks."
The state allows the sale of fireworks.
"I know some people are going to buy them and set them off," Matthews said.
If people are going to do that, they need to be set off by an adult and people need to clear out a lot of space around them and have pets and children out of the way, the chief said. If they are going to be set off, it needs to happen on a level surface, he added.
"That way they won't tip over and increase the chance of someone getting injured," Matthews said.
He is advising people to have a bucket of water or a water hose nearby to douse something if needed.
If a firework does not go off, people should not try to relight it and instead immediately dunk it in a bucket of water, the chief advises.
Matthews said people need to keep fireworks away from any structure, like a house or shed.
"That way it won't land on something, land on a roof or near a building and catch something on fire," he said. "Definitely keep it away from anything combustible."
A large number of fires that happen around the Fourth of July are started by fireworks as are a lot of reported injuries, Matthews said.
"That is something everyone needs to be aware of," he said.
The recent dry conditions around the area, due to high temperatures, can also pose a danger as brush and growth could be flammable.
"Everything is so dry right now," Matthews said. "It could easily start a fire, even from sparks set off from a bottle rocket."
Even for the show being put on in Parkersburg, Matthews said the fire department will be wetting the ground where those will be set off.
"We will definitely be putting water on the area," he said.
Lubeck Volunteer Fire Department Chief Mark Stewart is telling people it is illegal to shoot fireworks under the influence of alcohol as well as out of the back of a truck or to shoot them at someone's property.
Stewart, a deputy state fire marshal, also said to be mindful of children and keep them directly away from the spot where the fireworks are being shot off.
"Sometimes things fall over and they go in directions you are not intending them to go," he said.
If people are shooting mortars, he recommends giving them 15 minutes to cool down and to never put their body over the place where they were set off.
"That way it can cool off and nothing will go off afterwards," Stewart said.
The dry conditions will be an added concern this year, with a danger for dry brush and grass to ignite from the fireworks.
"Do it on concrete and have a (water source) handy nearby, just in case something lights off," Stewart said.
He is also advising to put pets in a secure location and be mindful of health concerns of neighbors as well as things they have going on.
"Be courteous to neighbors as some will have to get up the next day and go to work," Stewart said.
The Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of State Fire Marshal (SFM) is urging people to put safety first.
Since 2022, unless prohibited by local laws, Ohioans have been able to legally discharge 1.4G consumer fireworks in Ohio on certain days throughout the year when the use follows the Ohio Fire Code Discharge Rules, according to a press release from the SFM. This year, where permitted, consumer fireworks usage will be permitted from 4-11 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, July 3-7.
According to SFM's Fire Prevention Bureau, 128 fireworks-caused fire incidents occurred in Ohio in 2023, with 22 of those incidents resulting in residential building fires totaling nearly $700,000 in damages. So far in 2024, there have been 10 incidents involving fireworks causing almost $10,000 in losses.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks were involved in more than 10,200 treated injuries in 2022, with injuries jumping by 25% between 2006 and 2022. Nearly half of all fireworks injuries are to bystanders, many of them children.
"Fireworks can bring joy to our celebrations, but it's important to recognize the inherent risks that come with them as well," said Anita Metheny, chief of SFM's Fire Prevention Bureau. "By being informed and following safety guidelines, we can reduce injuries and ensure a festive and safe Fourth of July for all."
As part of an update to the fireworks law unveiled in 2023, fountain devices are now available at more retailers across the state. Fountains are fireworks that are ground-based that, once lit, erupt sparks and often whistle or crackle. Fountain fireworks can reach heights of up to 20 feet.
Even trick and novelty fireworks, including those that smoke, sparkle, snap and snake, are not without potential safety risks to consumers.
"Even sparklers can cause serious injuries if not handled correctly," Metheny said. "Always supervise their use or consider safer alternatives like glow sticks, especially for children."
The Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department shared the Consumer Product Safety Commission's safety tips about what people need to remember and how to conduct themselves around fireworks.
Those include never allowing children to play with or light fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit--hot enough to melt some metals.
Keep water sources nearby, in case of fire.
When lighting fireworks, do one at a time, then move back to a safe distance quickly, never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone and after fireworks complete their burning, to prevent a trash fire, douse them with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding.
"We hope everyone enjoys a fun and most importantly, SAFE, Fourth of July," said Amy Phelps, public information officer of the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department
Brett Dunlap can be reached at bdunlap@newsandsentinel.com