GI Fire Chief Stresses Fireworks Safety UPDATE

Grand Island Fire Chief Cory Schmidt discussed fireworks safety with Trevor Bentley. 

GIFD Shares Fireworks Safety Tips Ahead of Fourth of July

Grand Island, Neb. — As Independence Day approaches, the Grand Island Fire Department is reminding residents to celebrate safely and responsibly when using fireworks.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks were involved in an estimated 32,302 reported fires nationwide in 2023, including 3,760 structure fires. Those incidents resulted in an estimated 15 deaths, 58 injuries and $142 million in direct property damage.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission also reported eight fireworks-related deaths and an estimated 9,700 emergency room visits due to fireworks injuries in 2023. Teenagers between the ages of 15-19 experienced the highest rate of fireworks-related injuries, while children ages 5-9 had the second-highest rate. Grand Island Fire Chief Cory Schmidt encourages residents to consider attending professional fireworks displays instead of lighting fireworks at home.

“From a safety standpoint, we recommend leaving fireworks to the professionals,” Schmidt said. “I hope you will consider attending one of the public firework displays in our area such as the one offered by Stuhr Museum on July 4th. If you choose to light fireworks on your own, use caution and keep a protective eye on children.”

Grand Island City Code regulates the sale and discharge of fireworks within city limits. Approved discharge hours are:

June 28 through July 2: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
July 3: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
July 4: 8 a.m. to midnight
 

For those planning to celebrate with fireworks at home, the Grand Island Fire Department recommends following these safety precautions:

Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks
Never throw or point fireworks at people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials
Always supervise fireworks activities – even sparklers can be dangerous, burning at temperatures of approximately 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to melt some metals
Light only one firework at a time
Never carry fireworks in a pocket or discharge them from metal or glass containers
Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device while lighting the fuse and move to a safe distance immediately after lighting
Only use legal fireworks purchased from licensed Nebraska fireworks retailers
Avoid purchasing fireworks packaged in brown paper, which may indicate they were intended for professional displays
Keep a bucket of water, a charged garden hose and a first-aid kit nearby
Never attempt to light a firework that fails to initially ignite
Keep pets indoors to reduce the risk of injury or them becoming scared/running away
Never combine alcohol consumption with the use of fireworks
After fireworks have completely finished burning, soak them thoroughly with water before disposing of them to prevent trash fires.
 

Residents are encouraged to make safety their top priority and enjoy a safe and memorable Fourth of July celebration.