TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Each July Fourth, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks, such as devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even death. Tyndall Fire Emergency Services along with the National Fire Protection Association is urging the public to avoid the use of consumer fireworks and instead, to enjoy displays of fireworks conducted by trained professionals. Be safe and keep your distance.
Permanent scarring, loss of vision, dismemberment – these are too often the harsh realities of amateur fireworks use. According to the NFPA, amateur fireworks use endangers not only the users, but also bystanders and surrounding property and structures. Pyrotechnic devices ranging from sparklers to aerial rockets cause thousands of fires and serious injuries each year.
When things go wrong with fireworks, they can go wrong far faster than any fire protection provisions can reliably respond. Fireworks are dangerous and unpredictable, especially in the hands of amateurs. The few seconds of pleasure those fireworks may bring are not worth the risk of injury, permanent scarring, or even death.
In recent years, fireworks have been one of the leading causes of injuries serious enough to require hospital emergency room treatment. Fireworks can result in severe burns, fractures, scars, death or disfigurement that can last a lifetime. The thousands of serious injuries each year typically harm the eyes, head, or hands, and are mostly reported in states where fireworks are legal. Even sparklers, which are considered by many to be harmless, reach temperatures of more than 1,000° F.
Wooded areas, homes and even automobiles have become engulfed in flames because of fireworks. Fireworks related fires have typically caused at least $20 million in property loss each year in recent years. A substantial portion of structure fire property loss due to fireworks typically involves bottle rockets or other fireworks rockets. These rockets can land on rooftops or wedge within certain structures and still retain enough heat to cause a fire.
Public fireworks displays conducted by trained professionals are the smartest and safest fireworks alternative for anyone because they are established under controlled settings and regulations. After these displays, or any other time, children should never pick up fireworks that may be left over. Fireworks that have been ignited and fail to immediately explode or discharge can cause injury because they may still be active. Children should always tell an adult if they find fireworks rather than picking up smoking or charred fireworks themselves, which can pose a serious risk. Tyndall Fire Emergency Services wants you to celebrate our nation’s independence in a safe way. View fireworks from a distance where your safety has been ensured by professionals.
Please remember that the use and/or storage of fireworks on Tyndall AFB is strictly prohibited unless approved in writing by the Mission Support Group Commander.