Fireworks and Safe Celebration Published June 11, 2014 Tyndall Fire and Emergency Services TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Each July 4th, 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 and Emergency Services, along with the National Fire Protection Association, urge the public to avoid the use of consumer fireworks and instead to enjoy displays of fireworks conducted by trained professionals. Permanent scarring, loss of vision and dismemberment 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 go very wrong very fast, 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 fireworks may bring are not worth the risk of injury. These injuries can last a lifetime. There are thousands of serious injuries each year and 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 degrees. Wooded areas, homes and even automobiles have become engulfed in flames because of fireworks. Fireworks related fires typically cause at least $20 million in property loss each year, in recent years. These rockets can land on rooftops or wedge within certain structures and still retain enough heat to cause a fire. A majority of structure fire property loss is due to rocket fireworks. 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 them up themselves. Tyndall Fire and 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 is strictly prohibited unless approved in writing by the 325th Mission Support Group commander.