Local News - June 2002

Caution urged with fireworks

By ANDIE LEATHERMAN, LTN Staff Writer

June 28, 2002 - Despite rain showers Wednesday and Thursday nights, extra precautions should be used when setting off Independence Day fireworks, fire officials are saying.

“A few minutes or even hours of rain are not enough to do away with the drought. We need several days of slow, steady downpour,” said Mike Futrell, county fire marshal.

Firefighters battled a woods fire Sunday in Pumpkin Center which rekindled Tuesday.

“We’re a lot dryer than usual. It would be easier for another one to start,” said Travis Shidal, assistant county ranger with the state Forest Service.

Lincolnton Fire Marshal Rick Blackwell is hopeful the weather will cooperate for the city’s fireworks show Thursday at 9:30 p.m. at the Lincolnton High School stadium.

“We’ve got seven days to get plenty of rain,” he said Thursday.

Firefighters from East Lincoln and Denver fire departments will be on duty Wednesday night for a fireworks show at East Lincoln High School football stadium, Futrell said.

Officials’ main concern is not the large, professional fireworks shows but individual use of fireworks.

“That’s where most of our fires come from,” he said.

Officials expect fireworks use to be up this year because of the upsurge in patriotism following the Sept. 11 attacks on America.

“We want everybody to enjoy this July 4. We want to show the world we’re holding our heads up high but we want them to be safe,” Futrell said.

Eye injuries, burns and property damage can be the result of improper use of fireworks. Sparklers can reach up to 1,200 degrees, more than enough heat to ignite clothing, officials say.

Three years ago, a garage was burned to the ground because of improper firework use, Futrell said. The individual using the fireworks is financial responsible for any damages.

Fireworks that are legal in South Carolina, can carry fines ranging from $50 to $500 in North Carolina.

“South Carolina is going to sell you the stuff. People need to be aware before they buy,” Futrell said.

Any fireworks that projects, propels or explodes, including firecrackers, is banned in North Carolina. Sparklers, snap and pops, glow worms and caps are legal here. Federal law bans cherry bombs, silver salutes and M 80s.

Roadside fireworks vendors must display a permit from the city or county fire marshals’ office. Existing retailers sell legal fireworks without a permit.

Vendors who fear the fireworks they have do not meet legal specifications may request a consultation visit from the fire marshal’s office.

“If they call us, we’ll be glad to come look at them, give them a chance to exchange them for legal ones,” Futrell said.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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