FORT BELVOIR, Va. -- With the Fourth of July Saturday, neighbors will be gathering, barbecues will be going, and fireworks will light the sky to celebrate our independence. It is important to take safety measures to avoid the bursts of purple and green turning into a red and white ambulance strobe.
Fort Belvoir's Fire and Emergency Services released the statistic that, in 2006, fireworks caused an estimated 32,600 reported fires; including 1,700 total structure fires, 600 vehicle fires, and 30,300 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated six civilian deaths, 70 civilian injuries and $34 million in direct property damage.
The Army is not immune to these statistics. Four years ago, a Soldier lost his eye after a firework ignited prematurely and hit him in the face.
"All fireworks, including sparklers, are prohibited on Fort Belvoir," said Acting Assistant Fire Chief Ronald Martin.
If you are traveling this weekend and plan to use fireworks, several safety precautions should be taken.
"Due to their explosive and heat-related nature, fireworks must be handled with extreme caution," Tracey Russell, a safety specialist at the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center, said. "Those who choose to handle fireworks must always be mindful, not only of themselves and how they are handling the fireworks, but also where they are handling them, who else is around and what the weather conditions are."
Ralph Apel, president of the National Council on Fireworks Safety, said his team is working hard to remind parents that fireworks are not toys and that all fireworks, including the universally recognized sparklers, present the potential for danger and injury.
"Right now, 16 percent of all consumer fireworks injuries are caused by sparklers and we want this number to go down. We want parents to know that a bucket of water and some supervision could greatly reduce these injuries," he said.
On Independence Day in a typical year, more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for half of those fires, more than any other cause of fires, stated Belvoir Fire and Emergency Services.
All fireworks present some level of danger, the best thing to do to ensure a safe and fun fireworks experience is to watch a professional show.
More information about fireworks safety is available from firework safety.com.
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