Stamford Professional Fire Fighters Urge Caution with Fireworks as Independence Day Celebrations Draws Near

Independence Day, unfortunately, is one of the busiest days of the year for fire fighters. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more fires are reported on the Fourth of July than on any other day of the year. Of these fires, two out of five are fireworks-related.

Stamford Professional Fire Fighters Local 786 (IAFF) advises that the best way to enjoy fireworks and prevent injury is to watch a professional show. “Because Connecticut allows the retail sale of some types of fireworks, people may be less cognizant of risks. Over the counter consumer fireworks are dangerous to personal safety and the safety of the community,” says Brendan Keatley, President of the Stamford Professional Fire Fighters Association (SPFFA).

On June 22, three men were arrested after their illegal use of fireworks started a fire that destroyed six homes in the Bronx. The men were charged with arson, reckless endangerment, criminal mischief, and illegal possession of fireworks after irresponsibly using these explosives for a so-called “fireworks fight”.

Fireworks were involved in an estimated 11,900 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments during calendar year 2015, according to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Celebrating the Fourth of July with fireworks, cookouts and community events can quickly turn to disaster if proper precautions are not taken.

Children are especially at risk during this time. In 2015, 35 percent of victims with fireworks injuries were under 15. Children should never play with fireworks. Even sparklers can reach an astounding 1200º Fahrenheit.

“Fireworks are extremely dangerous, if members of the Stamford community decide to ignore these words of caution and set off their own fireworks display, precautions need to be taken, and taken seriously,” Keatley said. “While exciting for many, fireworks are also very, very dangerous.”

Please only call 9-1-1 for potentially life-threatening situations so fire fighters are available to respond quickly when lives are truly in danger.

For more information about fireworks safety, visit http://www.nfpa.org/fireworks.

To check the legality of fireworks in your state, visit http://www.usfireworks.biz/legal/legal.htm.

The best way to enjoy fireworks and prevent injury is to watch a professional show. The 2017 Stamford Independence Day Fireworks Event will be held on Friday, June 30, 2017 (Rain date of Saturday, July 1, 2017) at Cummings Park. Entertainment beings at 6:00 p.m. and the fireworks display begins shortly after 9:00 p.m. There is no cost to participate; viewing is also available at West Beach. For additional information about the Stamford Fireworks Event please visit www.stamfordct.gov.