How safe are fireworks, really?: ?Guest columnist Mark Correira, Snoqualmie Fire Chief, offers insights
Published 5:34 pm Tuesday, February 3, 2015
This past Fourth of July, many Snoqualmie Ridge residents witnessed the risks associated with fireworks, when a home on Fairway Avenue burned, threatened the neighboring house, and injured one firefighter.
Many people believe that fireworks are very safe. But really how safe are they?
Since 2000, nearly 100 people have been killed by fireworks in the U.S. In 2013, fireworks caused eight deaths and approximately 11,400 injuries. Children under 15 accounted for almost 40 percent of the treated injuries, and 1,000 injuries were to children under the age of 5.
Many people believe that sparklers are safe, but in fact, they caused 2,300 injuries in 2013.
The International Association of Fire Chiefs believes that the actual injury estimate is 25 percent higher than reported.
In Washington, fireworks caused 102 fires, $2 million in property loss, and 239 injuries. Out of the total injuries, 54 percent were caused by legal fireworks and 36 percent by aerial fireworks. The cause of these fires were: illegal fireworks, 22 percent; legal fireworks, 32 percent; and unknown, 46 percent.
During my career, I’ve stood in front of many burning houses set ablaze by neighbors celebrating the 4th of July.
It seems that most people have a story about a near-miss with a firework. Stories include the mortar-tube falling over with a lit firework in it, a shower of hot ashes falling on a crowd, or a mortar that exploded only a few feet off the ground next to a crowd. Many people know someone or have read about someone who has lost fingers because of fireworks.
The potential for accidents increases when alcohol is involved or when the celebrations occur in densely packed neighborhoods. Many communities with a similar density to the Ridge chose to ban fireworks years ago.
And this past July 4th we witnessed firsthand the danger of fireworks here in Snoqualmie.
On February 9, the Snoqualmie City Council will decide whether to ban aerial fireworks in the interest of public safety.
Snoqualmie has grown dramatically in the past decade and updating the fireworks regulations is a necessary step forward to protect our homes, our families, and our community.
