With over 10,800 people treated from fireworks related injuries in 2005, many people would not be surprised to hear that fireworks were ranked number one in the risk of fire death over any other product (National Fire Protection Association, 2007). The risks with fireworks are not limited to displays, public or private. Risks also exist wherever fireworks are manufactured, transported or stored. There simply is no such thing as "safe and sane" fireworks.

The 4th of July has more fires in the United States than on any other day of the year and fireworks account for half of those fires (National Fire Protection Association, 2007). While many individuals consider personal firework use a matter of family tradition and an expression of their "rights", the greater issue of safety is often ignored. Unintentional fireworks injuries occur at every age level-however, children under 15 experience nearly half of all injuries. Even with adults present, mishaps still occur due to delayed or early fireworks explosions, errant flight paths of rockets, debris from aerial fireworks and the mishandling of sparklers.

Both legal and illegal fireworks have been known to cause injury; therefore parents should not assume that they are protected because they purchased fireworks at a stand or storefront. In fact 95% of the fireworks injuries treated in emergency rooms involved fireworks that Federal regulations permit consumers to use.

Fireworks injuries have been up since 1996, with 48% of the injuries to extremities (primarily hand or finger) and 44% of the injuries to the head. These injuries can be debilitating and scarring. Some of the injuries have permanent impact-including blindness, amputation and even death. The most common injury is burns (54%) while the second type of fireworks-related injury is contusions and lacerations (29%). Again, 95% of these injuries are from legal fireworks-parents need to know that when things go wrong with fireworks, they go very wrong very fast.

Just as a reminder, it is illegal to use or possess any fireworks that leave the ground or explode in the City and County of Broomfield. Violations of the City of Broomfield fireworks ordinance can result in a fine of up to $1,000 and 90 days in jail. If the illegal use of fireworks leads to an actual fire in our community additional charges could be added, including arson. Individuals wanting to notify emergency responders about violations in their neighborhood should call the Broomfield Communication Center's non-emergency line at (303) 438-6400. Please avoid using 9-1-1 for these incidents to ensure that all emergency calls are answered first.

North Metro Fire Rescue wants to encourage all residents to avoid a needless court appearance, loss of property, or injury by refraining from the personal use of fireworks. Enjoy the City and County professional fireworks display held at dusk on the 4th of July at Broomfield County Commons.

Celebrating the 4th of July doesn't have to exclude fireworks all together-your family can join others in our community to enjoy a public fireworks display!