Fire officials warn of fireworks, outdoor grill dangers

The July Fourth holiday period typically presents hazards of fire and burn injuries. The most common involve cooking grills, wooden decks, and use of fireworks or sparklers.

Ted Pisciotta, assistant Shelton chief for fire prevention, said everyone must seriously consider the tragic consequences that a sudden mishap involving fireworks or a hot sparkler could cause. Physical injuries can last a lifetime.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) points out that fireworks can have a life-altering impact on people, including severe eye injuries, loss of limbs, and even death.

In a recent report, CPSC estimated 8,700 consumers were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries last year. About 1,000 reported injuries involved sparklers and bottle rockets fireworks that are frequently and incorrectly considered safe for young children.

This is in addition to fires resulting in property damage that are ignited by fireworks.

During the holiday weekend, the Shelton Fire Prevention Bureau encourages everyone to remember:

Treat all fireworks as being suitable only for use by trained professionals. Attend public firework displays that are pre-arranged under controlled conditions. Stay back at least 500 feet from professional fireworks displays.

Avoid use of sparklers, which can reach 1,200 degrees, according to the National Fire Protection Association. That is more than five times hotter than it takes to boil water and certainly hot enough to burn skin or ignite a fire. Consider also that wood burns at 575 degrees and glass melts at 900 degrees.

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Fire officials warn of fireworks, outdoor grill dangers