Cost of Illegal Fireworks Celebration Skyrockets!

06/26/2006

FRESNO, CA (June 26, 2006) – On June 27, 2006 at 10 a.m. local fire and police agencies will gather at 3300 Lind Ave (Clovis Fire Training Facility) to announce the formation of their perspective illegal fireworks task force. This year task force members will be out in force issuing $1,000 citations to anyone who is found in possession of, or using illegal fireworks. Ten (10) teams of two (one police officer and one firefighter) will be canvassing the Fresno area. As always, the department offers amnesty to those individuals who wish to drop off illegal fireworks at any fire station. No questions asked.

Fire departments in four Central Valley counties have again instituted a “Zero Tolerance” enforcement policy toward illegal fireworks and explosives. If it leaves the ground or explodes, it is considered an illegal firework. This means that any fireworks other than the “Safe and Sane” type are considered illegal. The California State Fire Marshal says illegal fireworks (i.e., firecrackers, M-80s, and bottle rockets) account for over 92 percent of the fire damage and injuries caused by fireworks each year.

This Fourth of July, the City of Fresno will allow the use of state-approved “Safe and Sane” fireworks to celebrate our nation’s birthday. Fireworks stands will be selling only approved “Safe and Sane” fireworks.

The purchase of “Safe and Sane” fireworks will be allowed from June 28, 2006 through July 6, 2006; however, they may only be discharged on Tuesday, July 4, 2005, from 8:00 p.m. until midnight.

Fireworks Facts:

In 2003, an estimated 2,300 reported structure or vehicle fires were started by fireworks. These fires resulted in 5 civilian deaths, 60 civilian injuries, and $29 million in direct property damage.*
In addition, 100 people were killed in a Rhode Island night club fire ignited by the indoor used of pyrotechnics in a small, crowded room with wall linings that promoted rapid flame spread. The facility had no sprinkler protection.
In 2004, 9,600 people were treated at hospital emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries. Burns were the leading type of fireworks injury (62%). Contusions and lacerations were second (20%), and were equal in share to burns when the injury was to any part of the head or face, including the eye. Hands or fingers were the part of the body injured in 33% of the incidents. In 21% of the cases, the eye was involved; other parts of the face or head accounted for 21% of the injuries.
Children aged 5-9 face the highest risk of fireworks injuries. In 2004, 55% of people injured by fireworks were under the age of 20, with 40% of the injuries incurred by those under age 15. The highest injury rate relative to population was for ages 5 to 9, with 2.2 times the risk for the entire population.
Males accounted for three-fourths (75%) of fireworks injuries.
From 1998 to 2002, eight people per year, on average, were killed in fires started by fireworks. Six people per year, on average, were killed directly by fireworks.
In 2003, fires started by fireworks caused $58 million in direct property damage to structures.
Based on the amount of time and quantities in use, fireworks pose a higher risk of fire death than any other consumer product. Although cigarettes are the leading cause of fire death, the risk that someone will die from fire when fireworks are being used is three times the corresponding risk when cigarettes are burning.
On Independence Day in a typical year, fireworks cause more reported outdoor fires in the United States than all other causes of outdoor fire combined.
Five states ban the use of fireworks by consumers (DE, MA, NJ, NY, and RI). The other 45 states and the District of Columbia permit some or all consumer fireworks.

Source: National Fire Protection Association

To view the Fresno Fire and Police Public Service Announcement, please refer to our website @ www.Fresno.gov/Fire.

RANDY R. BRUEGMAN
FIRE CHIEF
621-4000

KEN SHOCKLEY
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
999-7227