Experts are asking people to be careful with fireworks heading into the July 4th holiday weekend. The Augusta Fire Department held a safety demonstration at its headquarters on Deans Bridge Road July 1, 2021.
Using common fireworks that are available to the public, firefighters shot assorted fireworks in the direction of a training dummy. Even from nearly 10 feet away, the injuries that can happen were clear.
Public Information Officer Jason DeHart said that in 2020, the department responded to 47 fireworks-related calls, 13 grassfires, three structure fires, 25 vehicle fires and six dumpster fires.
MORE: History, Fireworks On Tap for Independence Day Weekend
“One of the structure fires was when someone was launching mortar shells in a neighborhood and the shell fell onto someone’s roof, rolled into the gutters that had leaves, it smoldered and then caught fire,” DeHart said.
He offered several safety tips: Keep a bucket of water and garden hose close by, douse used fireworks in the bucket, do not drink and use fireworks.
Dehart warned even sparklers can be dangerous because they get extremely hot and urged parents to watch over children using them.
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South Carolina Department of Environmental Control is also urging residents to stay alert, and sober, if they are using fireworks.
“Too often, the usage of fireworks is not taken as seriously as it should be,” said Dr. Virginie Daguise, Bureau Director of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention. “The fact is, they can cause severe injuries and burns, and some cases are even fatal. We want people to have fun during the Fourth of July weekend, but we also want them to be careful. That means following safety guidelines on the firework labels, paying attention to your surroundings, and keeping others at a safe distance.”
It is also important to think about family pets and how they will react to fireworks.
The ASPCA says one in five pets go missing because of loud noises like thunderstorms and fireworks.
Crystal Eskola, deputy director at Augusta Animal Services, says it is especially important your pet has some kind of identification.
“Microchips are so important. It only takes a second for a pet to escape when they hear the pops and booms. So many times, we get in pets that are chipped but often, the chip is not registered, or the contact information is no longer valid,” she said. “So many people, like myself, may have older chips registered back in the days when we all had land lines that no longer are in service.”
She said if your pet is not microchipped, you can use a Sharpie and write the pet’s name and your telephone number on their collar.
Personal fireworks are legal in Georgia and South Carolina.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com.
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