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Koewen Isbell, 1, left, Kiersta Reynolds, 14, Kendall Downs, 3, Asher Downs, 1, and Dregan Isbell, 7, prepare for the Fourth of July by stocking up on last minute fireworks for their evening firework celebration. They are the grandchildren of Brinda Candle.
Photo by: Don Rice By: Brooke Huff
Reporter
As the biggest firework day of the year approaches, Hutchinson County emergency personnel are preparing for what Hutchinson County Fire Marshal Danny Richards expects to be a a very active Fourth of July.
Richards said that he expects this year to so busy because not only are fireworks allowed to be shot inside the county, but the City of Sanford also has a big firework show planned for tomorrow evening. Due to the increased number of participants this year, Richards said that it is extremely important for everyone to exercise more caution when shooting fireworks. The larger participation levels, he said, present an increased risk for injury.
It is very important to always be aware of the fireworks you are shooting, as well as the ones others are shooting around you. Also, parents should supervise their children at all times when fireworks are present to prevent injuries. The most common injury related to fireworks, Richards said, is to the eyes, with the second most common being from burns due to explosions.
When shooting fireworks, Richards said that state law specifically states that fireworks cannot be used within 100 feet of a firework stand, and it is prohibited to throw fireworks at or from a vehicle. For safety reasons, Richards said that he also strongly discourages use of fireworks near major roadways or highways.
“It’s a pretty common sense thing,” Richards said. “Just use common sense and practice safe fire habits and everyone will have a safe and fun holiday.”
While fireworks are allowed inside the county, it is still illegal to shoot them inside any incorporated areas of the county, including inside the Borger, Stinnett and Fritch city limits. Fireworks have been approved inside the City of Sanford. Acceptable places for fireworks, Richards noted, are outside the city limits, in unincorporated parts of the county, and on private land with the owner’s permission. It is important to note, Richards said, that everyone is responsible for their own fireworks. That means people need to know where their fireworks are landing, and if damage is caused due to a firework, the person that shot it will be responsible for the damages.
All emergency response personnel, including city and county law enforcement, EOC, and city and county fire, will be out in full force on Saturday, ensuring that people are using their fireworks in a safe manner. They will be looking for potential safety issues, as well as be available to assist anyone with problems or concerns.
According to Richards, firework season has been going on for about 10 days, however, that ends at 12:00 a.m. on July 5, 2009. At that time, all firework stands in the county must close their doors, and will no longer be allowed to sell fireworks. Personal fireworks, Richards said, can still be used. Everyone at the firework stands have been very compliant and cooperative this year, he said. They all passed their inspections and met all requirements in order to sell inside Hutchinson County.
Even though they are anticipating a very active Fourth of July holiday, Richards said that he is looking forward to another good year.
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