I received the online edition of the July Newsletter from the Town of Fountain Hills today. It contained an article, “A Few Fireworks Facts to Consider”, that got me thinking that some excerpts from the article would be good information to share with you before the upcoming 4th of July holiday.
ARS-36-1602 prohibits non-professional firework displays in the State of Arizona. Please keep the following statistics in mind:
- On Independence Day in a typical year, far more fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for half of those.
- In 2008, fireworks caused 22,500 fires. These fires resulted in $42 million property damage.
- In that same year, emergency rooms treated approximately 7,000 people for fireworks related injuries.
- Two of five people injured by fireworks were under the age of 15.
- The risk of fireworks injury was highest for teens between 15 and 19 and children 5 to 9 years of age.
- Sparklers, fountains, and novelties accounted for 32% of emergency room fireworks related visits.
- 84% of the fireworks injuries treated in emergency rooms involve fireworks that Federal regulations permit consumers to use.
- The National Fire Protection Association strongly opposes any consumer use of fireworks.
Please be safe, enjoy your time with family and friends, and Happy 4th of July!
