Celebrate the fourth safe and smart

Fireworks are a staple of Fourth of July celebrations, but without proper care, they can quickly turn a festive night into a dangerous one. 

According to the National Fire Protection Association, more than 31,000 reported fires are started by fireworks each year. They can also cause serious injuries in an instant, as sparklers alone reach temperatures up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. NFPA reports that half of emergency room firework injuries were extremities, with one-third of cases resulting in injuries to the eyes or other parts of the head.  

While a Fourth of July without fireworks seems hard to imagine, fire officials recommend individuals only handle fireworks on gravel or asphalt away from vegetation and buildings. The heat emitted from fireworks can easily catch clothing and most products on fire. An estimated 19,500 fires start in the United States each year because of fireworks.  

“When it comes to fire, the heat emitted from a firework can ignite almost anything. Throughout my career, I have personally seen vehicles, structures, and/or vegetation ignited by fireworks almost every year,” said Selkirk Fire and EMS public information officer Brandon Vaccaro.  

Currently, the fire danger is considered “moderate.” However, local authorities project that this weekend will bring with it warm, dry and breezy weather — the most critical weather factors for wildland fires.  

If you’re unsure about lighting fireworks, there are several public fireworks shows throughout the area, most of which will take place at dusk. Public shows can be viewed in Sandpoint, Clark Fork, Priest River and Bonners Ferry. 

“The stakes are high when using consumer fireworks. There will be firework-caused injuries and fires this holiday weekend. In many cases, the risk is not worth the entertainment value. Let the professionals provide the fireworks show,” said Vaccaro.