~ 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 or glowworms, and certain 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) reported that in 2022 alone, eleven people died as a result of fireworks across the country. The 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.

The CPSC also found that about 43% of tested fireworks contained illegal components that could cause severe injuries. These components included non-compliant fuses, prohibited chemicals, and overloaded pyrotechnic materials.

In Missouri specifically, data collected by the Department of Health and Senior Services showed that in 2022 there were a total of 324 people seeking hospital care related to fireworks. Of those individuals, 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 77% of them happening during this time frame. During this period, 252 people sought hospital treatment for fireworks-related injuries.

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According to the data, the most common body parts injured by fireworks were hands or fingers (41.6%), followed by legs (13.8%), and head, face, eyes or ears (36.4%).

Fire Chief David Pennington emphasized the dangers of sparklers in particular, stating that they can burn at temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees and are the leading cause of injuries around Fourth of July. He urged parents to educate their children on how to avoid injury from sparklers and to closely supervise their use.

Chief Pennington also suggested attending one of the many community displays in and around Springfield 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 a day filled with celebration and patriotism, it is important to remember these safety reminders from the Springfield Fire Department. By following these guidelines, we can all enjoy a safe and memorable Fourth of July holiday.

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