Fireworks safety doesn’t stop on the Fourth of July

While the Fourth of July is behind us, private fireworks celebrations likely are not. The Maine State Fire Marshal and the Maine Forest Service offer the following recommendations for the safe use of fireworks:
* A person may use consumer fireworks only on that person’s property or on the property of a person who has consented to that use of fireworks on that property;
* Consumer fireworks may be used between the hours of 9 a.m. and 10 p.m., except on the following dates when they may be used between 9 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. the following days: July 4; Dec. 31; and the weekends immediately before and after July 4 and Dec. 31;
* Users of, and those in possession of, consumer fireworks must be 21 years of age;
* Fireworks should be set off outdoors in a clear area, away from houses, dry leaves, or grass and other flammable materials;
* Users of fireworks should keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies, and should never handle fireworks that fail to go off. Users are urged to use a long-handled shovel to scoop up the firework and immerse it in the bucket of water;
* Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks; soak them with water and throw them away;
* Be sure other people and children are out of range before lighting fireworks;
* Never light fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container;
* Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas;
* Always use fireworks according to the manufacturer’s directions and guidelines;
* Always use eye, ear, and hand personal protective equipment;
* Observe all local laws and ordinances;
* Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting;
* When use of fireworks is done, continue to watch the area of use to be sure that all fireworks debris is out and not smoldering or hot;
* Search any forested area adjacent to and downwind of the ignition site looking for hot or smoldering debris; scan the forest canopy, as well as the ground. If a wildfire occurs as a result of negligence, then you may be responsible for fire suppression costs;
* In case of emergency, dial 911.