FIRE SAFETY WITH VICKI: There’s more than fire in fireworks

By Vicki Schmidt

Fireworks season is upon us, and while the colors are quite pretty, fireworks are dangerous, destructive and often deadly. More fires are reported on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year, and errant fireworks are the cause of nearly half of them.
When it comes to professional fireworks, pyrotechnicians are responsible for the setup and discharge of public firework shows and are highly trained professionals. In Maine, pyrotechnicians must be at least 21 years of age, and licensed by the Maine Fire Marshal’s Office. Licensing requirements include an extensive background check and successfully completing an extensive written examination involving codes, rules and information specific to pyrotechnician skills. Finally, to be fully licensed they must obtain training and experience under the direction of a licensed pyrotechnician.
Consumer fireworks are a different story. In the U.S. alone, consumer fireworks cause an average of 18,500 fires a year, nearly a dozen deaths and more than 12,000 injuries severe enough to require emergency medical attention. So, before you light off fireworks, sparklers or firecrackers take note: Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees! Compare that to the 450 degrees you bake a pizza at in your oven. The National Fire Protection Association reports that sparklers account for nearly 25% of fireworks-related emergency room visits, with 50% of those involving children under the age of 5.
One of the most underappreciated risks of fireworks is hearing loss. The shock wave from consumer fireworks that average 140-170 decibel can permanently damage your hearing in an instant. Pets, livestock, birds and other wildlife are also immediately impacted. Because of the harm these shock waves cause to both humans and nature, low-noise fireworks are gaining in popularity, and are the only option in many countries and larger cities. Nearly all consumer fireworks, 98% in fact, sold in the U.S., are imported from China. The burning of metal salts used to manufacture fireworks produces the different sounds and colors. Evidence indicates there are long-term health and environmental consequence from the gases, particulate matter and other toxic materials released from all types of fireworks.
Learning more about the health risks of fireworks and the bio-accumlation of their chemicals in our soils and waters does have a positive side. While only a very small percentage of the worldwide use of fireworks, many U.S. companies are designing “cleaner” fireworks, which are becoming more popular, especially in areas with higher populations and sensitive environments.
Recent changes to the laws governing consumer fireworks in Maine have begun to address both the noise pollution as well as the chemical pollutions that result from fireworks. In March, LD 1307 became law. Maine’s Litter Control Law now includes all waste materials resulting from the use of consumer fireworks. LD 1307 also amended Maine’s disorderly conduct law, which now includes loud and unreasonable noise resulting from the use of consumer fireworks.
Firefighters join many others in public service and emergency response in agreeing that the best fireworks shows are the ones left to the professionals. If you choose to buy and use consumer fireworks please do so with respect for your neighbors, nearby livestock, fisheries and other wildlife. Thank you from your local first responders.

Vicki Schmidt is a Maine state fire instructor and volunteers with the Buckfield Fire Department, as well as several regional and state fire training organizations.