As we all make our final preparations to celebrate the Fourth of July this weekend, the Anne Arundel County Fire Department reminds every one of the dangers associated with illegal fireworks and the improper use of legal ground-based displays. Statistics from a report by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) show that fireworks (objects designed to burn or explode) annually cause tens of millions of dollars in property damage, thousands of injuries, as well as some deaths. Injuries from the intense heat of fireworks typically harm the eyes, head, hands, arms or legs. Some burns leave disfiguring scars that last a lifetime.
An example of the dangers associated with legal fireworks occurred locally this week. A 19 year--old man using a legal sparkler device purchased in Anne Arundel County was injured when the device malfunctioned and exploded in his face. The patient received eye injuries and concussive ear injuries. He was treated at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, where, fortunately, it was determined the injury will cause no permanent damage to his eyes.
Fireworks account for a substantial number of preventable injuries and fires each year, including being identified as the cause of fires in Anne Arundel County:
- July 2014- The improper and dangerous use of legal sparklers inside a dwelling caused a fire in a Hanover, which caused $50,000 damage. During the investigation of the fire, Fire Investigators discovered illegal fireworks within the home which were confiscated and a citation issued to the occupants for possession of illegal fireworks.
- June 2013- Improperly disposed of fireworks caused a dwelling fire near Annapolis, which did $250,000 in damage.
- July 2008- a dwelling in Odenton sustained damage in a fire caused by a 12-year-old occupant using fireworks in his bedroom
Despite federal and state regulations on the type of fireworks available for sale to the general public, even those fireworks that are sold legally carry an elevated risk of personal injury. For example, sparklers, which are legal in the majority of states, burn at temperatures nearing 1200°F. Their colorful sparks distract from the potential dangers and sparklers are predominately used by young children.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) 2014 Fireworks report included the following findings:
- In 2013, fireworks caused an estimated 15,600 reported fires in the U.S., including 1,400 structure fires, 200 vehicle fires, and 14,000 outside and other fires.
- More than one-quarter (28%) of fires started by fireworks in 2009-2013 were reported on Independence Day. Almost half (47%) of the reported fires on the Fourth of July were started by fireworks.
- According to the CPSC, more than one-third (35%) of the people seen in emergency rooms for fireworks injuries from June 20-July 20, 2014 were under 15; nine percent were under five.
- CPSC data show that sparklers alone accounted for more than one one-quarter (28%) of the emergency room fireworks injuries seen from June 20-July 20, 2014.
Fireworks can be dangerous and deadly, the safest way to enjoy them is through public displays conducted by professional pyrotechnicians hired by communities over July 4th or at other times during the year. Parents need to be especially vigilant during this period in assuring that children do not possess dangerous fireworks or mishandle legal ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are fireworks legal in Anne Arundel County?
A. No. The possession and discharge of fireworks without proper permits is illegal in Anne Arundel County. However, the term “fireworks” does not include devices that contain twenty-five hundredths grain or less of explosive compound, provided they are so constructed that the hand cannot come in contact with the cap in place for use. Also, sparklers that do not contain chlorates or perchlorates are not defined as fireworks by the law (Anne Arundel County Code, Article 18 Public Safety, Title 2 Fire Prevention Code, and Section 3101). (See attached definitions)
Q. Can I receive fireworks through the mail?
A. No. The use of the mail for transportation of fireworks is illegal in Anne Arundel County.
Q. Can I have a private fireworks display at my residence with the proper permits?
A. Yes. You can have a public display conducted by a licensed pyro-technician who has the proper permits and insurance.
Q. Are sparklers legal in Anne Arundel County?
A. Yes. Sparklers do not contain any chlorates or perchlorates; they are legal. Although legal, sparklers can still be dangerous and should only be used outdoors, under adult supervision, and kept away from the body. Remember sparklers can heat up to 1200 degrees F and pose a serious danger if used improperly.
Q. How should I dispose of used fireworks?
A. Fireworks that have been used should be treated similar to hot ash from a fireplace or woodstove. After use, place the sparklers or legal fireworks in a metal bucket of water. Do not place them in a trash container or combustible bin that could ignite the contents. Always have a garden hose or fire extinguisher nearby while discharging fireworks.
FIREWORKS (Excerpts from COMAR as listed on the State (MD) Fire Marshal web site
http://www.firemarshal.state.md.us/
PUBLIC SAFETY ARTICLE, TITLE 10. FIREWORKS AND SPARKLERS
SUBTITLE 1. DEFINITIONS; GENERAL PROVISIONS
§ 10-101. Definitions
(f) Fireworks.-
(1) "Fireworks" means combustible, implosive or explosive compositions, substances, combinations of substances, or articles that are prepared to produce a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, implosion, deflagration, or detonation.
(2) "Fireworks" includes 1.3 G fireworks, 1.4 G fireworks, firecrackers, squibs, rockets, Roman candles, fire balloons, and signal lights.
(3) "Fireworks" does not include:
(i) toy pistols, toy canes, toy guns, or other devices that use paper caps that contain 0.25 grains or less of explosive composition if the devices are constructed so that a hand cannot touch the cap when the cap is in place for use;
(ii) toy pistol paper caps that contain less than 0.20 grains of explosive composition;
(iii) sparklers that do not contain chlorates or perchlorates;
(iv) ground-based sparkling devices that are non-aerial and non-explosive, and are labeled in accordance with the requirements of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission;
(v) paper wrapped snappers that contain less than 0.03 grains of explosive composition; or
(vi) ash-producing pellets known as "snakes" that do not contain mercury and are not regulated by the U. S. Department of Transportation.
