The Fourth of July is a holiday perhaps best known for its celebration of independence, grill outs, pools, and…
…Fireworks.
Fireworks are undoubtedly one of the focal points of the holiday, and rightfully so. It adds a “bang” to a day full of celebrations that fill many Americans with a sense of pride. People launch fireworks for all kinds of reasons during the holiday season:
“For the kids and the community,” Hall County resident Spencer Porter said after purchasing fireworks from Xtreme Xplosives Gainesville. “Some kids didn’t grow up to have it. That’s why I work hard and my brother works hard and we’re fortunate enough to give back,” Denson Porter said.
But, although their theatrical effects and visual awes are well documented, being safe around them is of the utmost importance.
“The main thing is safety. That’s the key,” Hall County Fire Marshal Michael Vieira said. “Nationwide, there are thousands of fireworks-related injuries.”
Vieira reminds residents to have adult supervision, keep water nearby, and read the instruction manuals.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 9,700 people were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks injuries in 2023 along with eight deaths. Roughly 66% of those injuries occurred between June 16 and July 16.
Vieira says Hall County has been fortunate. Last year, they had no 9-1-1 calls for fireworks-related injuries and just 11 fire calls, but none of those were related to fireworks.
However, there are close calls.
“We had an injury a few years ago where someone got hit in the eye with a firework that shot out and she almost lost her vision,” Vieira said.
Spencer and Denson have had close calls as well.
“I almost blew my car up one time,” Denson said.
“When we were little, I shot a rocket off. It misfired and went the wrong way and went through these folks window,” Spencer said.
Xtreme Xplosives Gainesville manager Cale Owens also echoed safety sentiments.
“We always recommend that you have fire extinguishers or a turned on hose nearby just in case anything goes awry,” Owens said. “Be mindful of where the fuses are. Don’t let kids light anything off, that's any of the big stuff.”
He and Vieira said to rinse the fireworks off or dunk them in water as fireworks can reignite due to the embers.
“We want to make sure that everyone is being safe,” Owens said.
Xtreme Xplosives sells consumer fireworks, which is defined by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) as having less than 50 milligrams of flash powder for ground devices and less than 130 milligrams for aerial devices.
Anything larger is considered a display firework that professionals use. Vieira said he is more concerned about consumer fireworks because there are “not a whole lot” of safety precautions for them, whereas professionals do have those precautions in place.
While safety is the most pertinent thing, having fun is also important for the holiday.
“Have fun, stay safe, and enjoy y’alls Fourth of July,” Spencer said.
