Lighting fireworks can be an exciting part of celebrating the Fourth of July, however, it comes with some serious hazards.
“It’s a fun time,” said Brain Willie, lead communications specialist with South Metro Fire Rescue. “But we also know that it’s very dangerous …with the hot weather we’ve had and everything is so dry.”
Willie said that the fire district sees a large increase in calls in the days leading up to the holiday and on July 4.
Last year, South Metro Fire Rescue reported that the department responded to 45 fires between 6 p.m. and midnight on July 4. The post on social media stated that most of the fires involved grass or mulch, and most were caused by fireworks.
Additionally, during that time, two people were injured in separate firework accidents, the fire district reported.
Some fireworks – such as sparklers, fountains and ground spinners – are permitted in Douglas County. These can be purchased at local firework stands, which fire marshals from the fire district check to ensure that what is being sold is within regulation.
However, illegal fireworks – which are fireworks that leave the ground or explode – do get set off across Douglas County, according to the fire district.
Proper disposal
South Metro Fire Rescue is offering some tips to properly dispose of fireworks in order to avoid fires or accidents.
The first step is to let the firework sit for some time after it has gone out. Once it is cooled, it should be placed in a metal or steel bucket of water for at least 12 to 24 hours. This is to ensure that all the materials are fully saturated and there is no longer any exposure to flames, Willie said.
From there, put the soaked fireworks in a trash container that is non-combustible. These include metal or steel cans, which can be bought at home improvement stores.
“In Highlands Ranch, all our trash containers, pretty much, are all plastic,” said Willie. “So those are all very combustible and catch fire.”
Willie said that many homeowners place their trash containers on the side of their house, either directly against their house or against a wood fence, which could lead to the house and/or fence catching fire.
“We’ve had a couple incidents of that,” said Willie. “That’s why we really want to just stress to put those fireworks in water for an extended period of time.”
Parents and guardians should supervise children who have fireworks, as the fire district has seen a lot of children and teenagers light fireworks in open space areas, causing vegetation and brush fires.
For anyone lighting fireworks, Willie said they should be in an area that is open with no combustible materials or dry grass, but to always check the county’s fire restrictions first.
Douglas County’s fire restrictions will be determined by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and can be found on the agency’s website or social media.
The sheriff’s office will also have a hotline set up during the July 4 holiday for residents to report the use of illegal fireworks. The hotline number is 303-814-7118.
The fire district also advises residents to have fire extinguishers handy and either a hose or a bucket of water nearby to quickly douse anything that might spark. In the case that something does spark, call 911.
While lighting fireworks may be fun, the fire district encourages people to instead attend an event where a professional fireworks show will be presented.
“Just leave it to the professionals and go see a professional fireworks display,” Willie said.