Fire Departments Plead with Public for Safety this Fourth of July
POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – As the Fourth of July holiday draws closer, people are preparing to celebrate by purchasing fireworks, while local fire departments are urging people to follow safety precautions.
Warnings from the Fire Department
"We see people lighting fireworks off near dry weeds, open fields, next to vehicles, which is a big problem, or next to structures like sheds or their homes," said Brian Curtis, fire chief with the North Bannock Fire District. "Typically, we want people to light fireworks off in an open space where they have a clearing with no shrubs, trees, bushes or grass to burn."
Aerial fireworks are prohibited in the city of Pocatello, with ground-safe fireworks and sparklers permitted.
"We really hope people will proceed with caution, be safe and adhere to the recommendations of not doing aerials," Curtis added. "Everything is so dry and there's no moisture in the fuels around right now. It's going to be super dangerous."
Eastern Idaho has already seen an active fire season due to dry conditions and high winds. One ember from a rogue firework can start a wildfire in the area, making it more important that people follow the rules for celebrating on the Fourth of July.
"We're pleading with the public to really take into consideration the dangers of the aerials. Please do not light them," he said.
For sparklers and smaller fountain fireworks permitted in the city, the fire department says people should have a bucket of water or a hose nearby. After the firework is done, spray everything down with water or place it in a bucket of cool water.
"We want everybody to count the cost," Curtis said. "What we mean is that a sparkler can reach 1,200 degrees and cause third-degree burns very fast. Count the cost of a trip to the emergency room. Count the cost of a surgery if you have to have one on your eye for getting too close to a firework."
Most of the North Bannock Fire Department's resources will be at the Bannock County Fairgrounds on the Fourth of July, with other trucks stationed throughout the area to respond to emergencies. Firefighters commonly see dumpster and garbage can fires on the holiday because fireworks are thrown away before they are completely extinguished.
Even fire chiefs are "astounded" by how dry the area is this year and are concerned about an increased fire risk.
"It's dangerous out there, so we're asking that people remain vigilant," Curtis said.
Fireworks Stands on Having Fun Safely
Several fireworks stands in Idaho Falls have already opened for the season, while Pocatello stands will open next week. Pow-Wow Fireworks in Fort Hall is already selling thousands of fireworks ahead of next month's America250 celebration.
Owner Karri H. Deschine said they take safety precautions seriously.
"We give every client or patron that comes through a punk," Deschine said. "We give them the safety of using it, and if it's a family, we'll give them a few."
A punk is a long bamboo stick that smolders slowly, allowing people to light fireworks from a safer distance.
Deschine also said the reservation is available for people who want to use aerial fireworks, which are illegal within city limits. The rodeo grounds and the area behind Shoshone-Bannock High School are popular locations.
"The tribe has officially approved those. Just make sure that you bring a trash bag or box, make sure to clean up after yourself," she said. "Out of respect for the land, this is a sovereign place, and it's a great way to save yourself a $700 fine."
She said about half of her customers choose to set off their fireworks on the Fort Hall Reservation. She added it is common practice to place spent fireworks, including sparklers, into a bucket of water immediately after use.
Choosing age-appropriate fireworks is also important, according to Deschine.
"We don't encourage sparklers for the really young kids, but we have plenty of other alternatives like swords and ones for the princesses," Deschine said. "We have some that are bamboo and paper, which parents tend to prefer over the old-school metal ones."
The stand also features a children's section with smaller fireworks and a separate section for "Safe and Sane" fireworks.
"Everybody thinks they come out for artillery and they always come home with 80% safe and sane fireworks, so we're doing our job to make sure that families are getting what they want," Deschine said. "Artillery will say 'shoots flaming balls with report' and the safe and sane ones will say 'emits showers of spark.'"
