State Fire Marshall reports fireworks data for 2009

Published 11:43 am Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Fire departments and hospitals reported 1,236 fireworks-related injuries and fires to the State Fire Marshal’s Office in 2009, or 1,036 fires and 200 injuries. Most of these incidents occured on July 4, with boys ages 8-14 behind the majority of them.

The incidents of greatest concern were:

• 89 residential fires totaling $5,333,425 in loss, 15 caused by illegal devices, nine caused by legal devices, and 65 caused by an unknown type of firework device.

·40 school fires that totaled more than $8 million in losses were reported from 2006 through 2009.

·105 fires and 91 injuries were caused by devices which are illegal to own or possess in Washington State.

·9 sparkler bomb incidents that included six fires/explosions and three injuries to faces and hands. These devices are considered improvised explosive devices. Injuries from one of these devices include metal puncture wounds with burning from the hot metal, burns and tearing to the hands, and trauma to the face, chest and legs.

Supervision of kids 14 and under is critical for reducing emergency responses to fireworks incidents.Parents need to talk to their kids about fireworks and safety. Set family boundaries, only adults should light fireworks. Store fireworks in a secure location out of the reach and sight of curious children. Personal fireworks require personal responsibility.

Remember the three B’s of fireworks safety:

•Be prepared, have water nearby and put pets indoors,

•Be safe, only adults should light fireworks, and

•Be responsible, clean up fireworks debris.

For more information about fireworks safety, public fireworks displays and the fireworks laws for your area, check the Celebrate Safely website at http://www.wsp.wa.gov/fire/fireworks.htm