Fred Hotz of Grand Island Fire Department Provides Fourth Of July Safety Tips

Listen to an interview with Fred Hotz about fireworks safety below.

Grand Island, Neb. —  In 2021, the National Fire Protection Association estimated fireworks were involved in 12,264 reported fires, including 2,082 total structure fires, 316 vehicle fires and 9,866 outside and other fires. These resulted in an estimated $59 million in direct property damage.

In addition to property damage, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission received reports of eight firework-related deaths and an estimated 9,700 people treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms due to firework-related injuries in 2023. Teenagers ages 15 to 19 had the highest rate of emergency department-treated, firework-related injuries with children ages 5-9 years old having the second-highest rate.

“Fireworks can bring joy and excitement to a 4th of July celebration, but it is critical to remember they can also pose a significant risk if not handled responsibly,” Grand Island Fire Department Chief Cory Schmidt said. “I urge everyone to prioritize safety and consider attending a public firework display instead of choosing to ignite fireworks on your own.”

Grand Island city code regulates the hours fireworks may be sold and discharged within the city limits. Beginning this Friday, June 28, the hours are as follows:
· June 28 through July 2:  8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
· July 3: 8 a.m. - 11 p.m.
· July 4: 8 a.m. - Midnight

If a public display isn’t included in your plans, the city of Grand Island fire department asks you to exercise caution and adhere to the following recommended safety guidelines:

· Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.

· Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.

· Adults should always supervise fireworks activities. Even sparklers pose a hazard for children. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 1,200 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals. Sparklers alone accounted for nearly half of all firework-related injuries to children under 5 years of age and roughly 25% of all emergency room visits related to fireworks.

· Only light one firework at a time.

· Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

· Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Immediately back up a safe distance after lighting fireworks.

· Only use legal fireworks sold from Nebraska fireworks stands.

· Avoid buying fireworks packaged in brown paper as this is often a sign the fireworks were made for professional displays and could pose a danger to consumers.

· Always have a bucket of water and a charged water hose nearby in case of fire or other accidents. It is also a good idea to have a first-aid kit handy.

· Never try and relight fireworks that have not ignited.

· Keep pets indoors to reduce the risk of them running loose or getting injured.

· Never mix the consumption of alcohol and the lighting of fireworks.

· After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire