Clark County Fire District 3 is prepared to respond to an increase in calls on the Fourth of July. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 19,500 reported fires are started by fireworks annually. Sparklers account for roughly one-quarter of emergency room fireworks injuries.
“We’re monitoring the weather closely for increased fire risk this time of year, especially in our suburban-wildland interface areas,” said Fire Marshal Chris Drone. “If you choose to celebrate the holiday with fireworks, please do so as safely as possible.”
For those that are lighting off consumer fireworks in areas where it is legal, please follow these tips to reduce fire risk and injury:
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks and older children should use them only under close adult supervision
- Find an area to light of fireworks that is away from people, buildings, and flammable material
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person, and don’t hold them in your hands
- Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
- Never ignite devices in a container
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks, instead soak them thoroughly in water
- Keep a charged hose and a bucket of water nearby
- Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
Additional safety tips can be found on the fire district’s website at www.fire3.org.
Fire District 3 does not make rules or regulations about fireworks, nor does it do any enforcement. The county and city councils are responsible for making and enforcing laws. The fire district is responsible for putting out fires and responding to calls for emergency medical service. Please call 9-1-1 to dispatch emergency responders if you see a fire or a person is injured.
Celebrate Safely on the Fourth of July
BRUSH PRAIRIE, WA— Clark County Fire District 3 is prepared to respond to an increase in calls on the Fourth of July. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 19,500 reported fires are started by fireworks annually. Sparklers account for roughly one-quarter of emergency room fireworks injuries.
“We’re monitoring the weather closely for increased fire risk this time of year, especially in our suburban-wildland interface areas,” said Fire Marshal Chris Drone. “If you choose to celebrate the holiday with fireworks, please do so as safely as possible.”
For those that are lighting off consumer fireworks in areas where it is legal, please follow these tips to reduce fire risk and injury:
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks and older children should use them only under close adult supervision
- Find an area to light of fireworks that is away from people, buildings, and flammable material
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person, and don’t hold them in your hands
- Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
- Never ignite devices in a container
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks, instead soak them thoroughly in water
- Keep a charged hose and a bucket of water nearby
- Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
Additional safety tips can be found on the fire district’s website at www.fire3.org.
Fire District 3 does not make rules or regulations about fireworks, nor does it do any enforcement. The county and city councils are responsible for making and enforcing laws. The fire district is responsible for putting out fires and responding to calls for emergency medical service. Please call 9-1-1 to dispatch emergency responders if you see a fire or a person is injured.