OSWEGO, NY – The Fourth of July is rapidly approaching and with it, the time-honored tradition of patriotic firework displays.
The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) urges New Yorkers not to use fireworks or other similar devices themselves, but instead to leave them to the professionals.
New York State, including Oswego County, recently legalized the use of certain sparkling devices, and many counties now allow the sale of these types of fireworks.
Despite their legalization, sparkling devices remain dangerous in amateur hands. According to a National Fire Protection Association report, sparklers accounted for more than a quarter, or approximately 28 percent, of all fireworks injuries in 2014.
Despite their relatively benign appearance, sparklers can be extremely dangerous.
As we spend time with family and friends to celebrate Independence Day, residents are reminded to stay safe around fireworks, sparkling devices, and with outdoor recreational fires, according to the Oswego Fire Department.
According the National Fire Protection Association, more fires are reported on the 4th of July than on any other day of the year, and 40% of those are fireworks-related incidents.
The tip of a sparkler burns incredibly hot (1,200 degrees Fahrenheit), which is as hot as a blow torch; and will cause major injuries if not handled carefully.
Furthermore, nearly half of all fires reported on Independence Day were caused by fireworks or similar devices.
“The misguided legalization of sparklers and other devices does not change the fact that fireworks and sparklers are extremely dangerous,” said FASNY President Ken Pienkowski. “Fireworks should only be used by professionals who have undergone the proper training and certification. There are countless, excellent fireworks displays across New York State, and FASNY urges all New Yorkers to enjoy these shows and avoid a serious injury over the holiday.”
In 2015, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that 67 percent of all fireworks-related injuries occurred in the month surrounding July 4, and that children and young adults under the age of 20 constituted 42 percent all those injured.
For children under the age of five, sparklers accounted for 65 percent of the total number of injuries suffered.
The best way to enjoy fireworks and prevent injury is to watch a professional, permitted show such as Saturday night at the Oswego Speedway or Sunday night in the Oswego Harbor, an OFD spokesman said.
Consumer fireworks are dangerous and the risks to personal safety and the community are significant, he added.
An estimated 7,600 fireworks-related injuries were treated in US hospital emergency departments in a month (6/18/16 to 7/18/16) last year.
Firework displays are illegal in the city of Oswego without a proper permit and specific approval.
While sparkling devices are technically allowed in the County of Oswego, they too are very dangerous and are often the cause of serious injuries when used improperly.
Sparkling devices are ground based or handheld devices that produce a shower of colored sparks and / or a colored flame, audible crackling or whistling noise and smoke.
According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were an estimated 900 emergency department treated injuries associated with sparklers in 2016.
“We hope everybody has a happy, safe Fourth of July. Should there be an emergency or unsafe situation, we urge New Yorkers to call 911 for help. It’s better to be safe than sorry,” said President Pienkowski.
Over the summer months, we see an increase in calls for outdoor fires, the OFD spokesperson said.
Residents are reminded that “typical” bonfires are illegal in the city of Oswego.
Small, recreational fires are allowed, but must be less than 3 feet in diameter, and less than 2 feet in height.
Only solid fuels can be burned, such as firewood, and the fire must be at least 15 feet from any other combustible material or structure.
Even small fires can cause major injuries when proper precautions are not followed.
For more information on open burning regulations in the city of Oswego, please visit www.oswegony.org under the fire department tab.
Please use caution this weekend and during the holiday period, and if an emergency does arise call 911 immediately.
If you have questions or concerns, please call our headquarters at (315) 343-2161.
Have a great weekend and stay safe Oswego! We hope to see everyone at the parade. Make sure you wave to Firepup and Spot as they’ll be off their leashes again this year and will be looking to pose for pictures with the kids.
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While nice to have a little more freedom people need to be smart about it. I would never let a kid handle or ignite a sparkler…they are too dangerous especially if they decide to have a “duel” with them or throw them around; very easy to get burned badly by them particularly on a flare-up when lighting them too close to the hands.
After the fun of independence day is over. Police your lawn for discarded sparkler wires left there. They make a nasty projectile when the lawn mower finds them. If you use the sparklers, please account for them and get them in the trash when done.
Have a happy and safe weekend all.