Springfield Fire Department issues reminder, safety tips about fireworks

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~ As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, the Springfield Fire Department is urging residents to prioritize safety while celebrating. In a recent press release, the department shared important reminders to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for all.

One of the key reminders is that fireworks are strictly prohibited within the city limits of Springfield. This includes possession, manufacture, storage, sales, handling, and discharge of any type of fireworks. The Fire Code strictly prohibits these activities in order to prevent potential fires and injuries.

While some novelty items such as snappers, party poppers, toy smoke devices, and sparklers are allowed within city limits, they should be used with extreme caution and under adult supervision. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), approximately 40% of Independence Day structure fires are caused by fireworks. Additionally, an average of 250 people seek emergency room treatment each day for fireworks-related injuries in the month surrounding July 4th.

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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that in 2022 alone, eleven people died as a result of fireworks across the country. These victims ranged from 11 to 43 years old. Furthermore, over 10,200 people were treated for injuries in hospital emergency rooms and children under 15 years old accounted for 28% of those injuries.

In addition to these alarming statistics, it was found that about 43% of tested fireworks contained illegal components that could cause severe injuries. These components included non-compliant fuses and prohibited chemicals or pyrotechnic materials overload.

Data collected by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services also highlights the dangers of fireworks. In 2022 alone, there were 324 reported cases of people seeking hospital care related to fireworks in Missouri. Of those cases, 292 were treated in emergency rooms and released while 32 were admitted to the hospital.

The majority of these injuries occurred during a three-week period surrounding Independence Day (June 21 to July 11, 2022), with a total of 252 people seeking hospital treatment in emergency rooms or being admitted for inpatient care. The most commonly injured body parts were hands or fingers (41.6%), followed by legs (13.8%), and head, face, eyes, or ears (36.4%).

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Fire Chief David Pennington stresses the importance of educating children on how to avoid injuries from sparklers, which can burn at temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees and are the leading cause of injuries during Fourth of July celebrations. He also advises that children should always be supervised by an adult when using sparklers.

Chief Pennington also suggests attending one of the many community displays in and around the city as a safe and fun way to celebrate Independence Day. These displays are presented by professionals who have obtained the necessary permits and safety inspections from the Bureau of Fire Prevention to ensure the safety of the public.

As our community prepares for this patriotic holiday, let us all remember these important reminders from the Springfield Fire Department to ensure a safe and enjoyable celebration for everyone.

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