Arctic Warriors reminded about fireworks dangers

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ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  When people think of Independence Day many think of hot dogs on the grill, neighborhood parties and fireworks. Sometimes while all the patriotic festivities are taking place we tend to forget how dangerous fireworks can be. 

The use of fireworks is prohibited on Elmendorf, Fort Richardson and most of the State of Alaska. The City of Anchorage has a $300 fine for illegal use of fireworks. 

The Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Fire Department highly encourages the base populous to leave fireworks to the professionals and avoid the use of consumer fireworks. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display. 

The U.S. Fire Administration Web site offers the following information about fireworks safety: 

The risk of fireworks-related injury is 2 ½ times higher for children ages 10 to 14. The tip of a sparkler burns at a temperature of more than 1,200 degrees - this is hot enough to cause third degree burns. Few people understand the associated hazards of fireworks, which include devastating burns, fires, and even death. In 2007, 9,800 fireworks-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms. 

· 56 percent of emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 36 percent were to the head. 

· 49 percent of the 2007 fireworks injuries were burns, while 29 percent were contusions and lacerations. 

· Two of 5 people injured by fireworks were under the age of 15. 

· The risk of fireworks injury was 2 ½ times as high for children ages 5-14 as for the general population. 

· Sparklers, fountains, and novelties alone accounted for 56 percent of the emergency room fireworks injuries. 

In 2006, an estimated 32,600 reported fires were started by fireworks. Unfortunately, these fires caused six civilian deaths, 70 civilian injuries and $34 million in property damage. The largest numbers of fires associated with fireworks were grass fires (10,800 per year), brush fires (7,600), and dumpster fires (2,900). Over the past decade, all of these dangerous variables have caused fireworks-related injuries to increase. 

Males accounted for three-fourths of fireworks injuries. Generally, when fireworks are purchased, consumers believe that they are safe for use. However, nine out of ten emergency room fireworks injuries involved fireworks that Federal regulations permit consumers to use. On Independence Day more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for half of those fires. 

For more information on fire safety, call the fire prevention element at 552-2620. 

(Information provided by Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Fire and Emergency Services)