Exercise caution with pyrotechnics

GALESBURG — In 2011, fireworks caused an estimated 17,800 fires, 1,200 of which were total structure fires. That same year, eight deaths were reported as a result of fires caused by fireworks.

In 2012, approximately 8,700 people were treated in U.S. hospitals for fireworks related injuries, most of whom were between the ages 15 and 24, followed by children younger than 10.

Galesburg Fire Marshal Dan Foley believes these numbers, based on 2013 and 2014 reports by the National Fire Protection Agency, indicate the necessity of fireworks safety.

And Galesburg is hardly exempt from the fireworks statistics. As Foley explained, a local businessman not long ago “lost a digit” because of fireworks. A couple years back, a house burned down in Peoria and about 10 years ago, a Dayton Drive home had a fire as a result of fireworks.

“Keep fireworks to the professionals and go to one of the nice displays in the area,” Foley said Friday. “If you do use sparklers or novelty fireworks, use them on your private property and restrict young people from using them.”

As he explained, in the city of Galesburg, an ordinance is in place banning the use of sparklers in public places. Sparklers, which burn at over 1,200 degrees, were banned completely prior to 2001 in Galesburg until they were allowed exclusively on private property.

Though legal, they are not necessarily safe, especially in the hands of small children.

“Sometimes we get the impression as long as we are with our kids when they are playing with fireworks, they won’t be hurt,” Foley said. “If a child has a sparkler, it’s too late when they touch it to their eye or skin.”

Sparkler fall into the “novelty” category of fireworks along with snakes, smoke bombs, poppers and similar items. These are all legal on private property.

“Consumer fireworks” include fountains, comets, parachutes and various other fireworks approved by the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal. These items may be used on private sites 200 feet from structure or property lines and require a fireworks training class and a $35 permit to use.

Firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman candles, pinwheels and any hand held fireworks are strictly illegal in Illinois.

The only fireworks that can be legally fired in the air are the “display” variety, which require a special license as well as a licensed pyrotechnic distributor.

As Galesburg Police Capt. Rod Riggs explained, a good rule of thumb as to what fireworks are allowed is, “if it flies or makes a loud noise, it’s illegal.”

Unlawful possession or use of fireworks can result in a $75 citation and confiscation of the fireworks, Riggs said. Illegal fireworks aren’t just dangerous, they can be costly, too.

Antwon R. Martin: (309) 343-7181, ext. 266; amartin@register-mail.com; @AntwonRMartin