NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- With a three-day holiday weekend here and a chance to celebrate Independence Day, Volusia County Fire Services is encouraging common sense fire safety.
The U.S. Fire Administration reports that more fires are reported on Independence Day than any other day, with half of the fires believed to be caused by fireworks. An estimated 30,100 fires are caused by fireworks each year, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
According to the State Fire Marshal’s Office, anyone using fireworksmust have a permit from their local government or use them for certain agricultural purposes exempted by law. It is illegal in Florida to use fireworks - which include shells and mortars, multiple tube devices, Roman candles, rockets and firecrackers - when such use is not in strict compliance with Chapter 791.012, Florida Statutes. The use or possession of fireworks is prohibited on Volusia County beaches.
Floridians should not sign "waivers" to purchase fireworks. Signing a waiver will not clear persons of responsibility should they be caught illegally using fireworks, which is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
In 2008, there were an estimated 7,000 injuries caused by fireworks and seven fireworks-related deaths in the United States. More than half (56 percent) of the injuries were burns, and approximately 21 percent were contusions or lacerations. Two of five people injured by fireworks were under 15. Devices such as sparklers, fountains, Roman candles and novelty fireworks accounted for 40 percent of the injuries; firecrackers caused an estimated 18 percent of the injuries.
Volusia County Fire Services recommends the following fireworks safety tips:
- Citizens should attend public fireworks displays and not use fireworks at home.
- Children should never be allowed to play with fireworks. (Sparklers can reach temperatures hot enough to melt gold.)
- Children should not be allowed to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event. Some may still be ignited and can explode; duds that initially did not ignite could explode.
- Fireworks are known to backfire or shoot off in the wrong direction. Citizens should stay away from persons igniting fireworks. Fireworks should never be pointed or thrown at someone - even in jest.
For more information about fire prevention, please call (386) 736-5940 or visit www.volusia.org.