INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — With the arrival of the Fourth of July holiday, fire rescue crews want to remind residents that they can only set off legal fireworks in their backyard.
“There are health dangers and dangers to the environment (from using illegal fireworks),” Fire Marshal David Johnson, with Indian River County Fire Rescue, said. “There could be skin burns and eye injuries.”
Legal fireworks include sparklers, Johnson said. Under state law, any firework that explodes or shoots in the air is considered illegal.
Some illegal fireworks include shells and mortars, tube devices, Roman candles, rockets and firecrackers.
Residents should still use caution when using sparklers. Sparklers that are lit can reach temperatures between 1,300 and 1,800 degrees – which is 200 degrees hotter than the standard butane lighter, according to the South Walton Fire District.
Johnson said he thinks most residents will do the right thing and use legal fireworks. He said the county has seen a slight increase in injuries and fires caused by fireworks during the summer.
Statistics on the incidents were not available.
Only licensed dealers with display companies are allowed to shoot exploding or shooting fireworks, for a public event, Johnson said. Cities and towns use contractors throughout the state to conduct the fireworks shows.
Fireworks that either explode or shoot in the air remain hot for a short amount of time. When the residue from that firecracker falls down, it still remains hot and could spark a fire if it lands on anything fire-prone, Johnson said.
“Hair, clothing, shingles on a roof, dry vegetation – anything that can be easily lit by a match can be easily lit by firework residue,” Johnson said. Those who break the law will have to answer to law enforcement.
Fireworks cause an average of nearly 18,500 reported fires each year, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Sparklers make up for about 25 percent of emergency room fireworks injuries.
Residents who use illegal fireworks can face prosecution ranging from a fine to an arrest, Officer Megan DeWitt, spokeswoman for the Vero Beach Police Department, said.
“We try not to arrest people for fireworks, but it might come to that,” DeWitt said. “It would depend on the situation and how they’re using the fireworks.”
Statistics on local arrests involving fireworks were not immediately available.
Most larger chain stores and tent stores in the county sell legal fireworks, Johnson said. If anyone is hurt while using fireworks, they should immediately call 911.
For a list of legal sparklers, visit the state fire marshal’s website.
Tips from fire rescue on safely using fireworks
- Kids should never play with fireworks without adult supervision
- Fireworks should be kept away from the face, clothing and hair
- Always buy legal fireworks, use them outside, keep a bucket of water or hose in case of an accident
- Never throw or point a firework at anyone
