Local fire departments are warning residents of Lubbock County to use extra caution when launching fireworks this 4th of July weekend.
Over 20,000 fireworks-related accidents occur each year, according to the Slaton Fire Department.
“Something as innocent as a sparkler are some of the most dangerous fireworks out there, because they burn at 1200 degrees at the tip of the sparkler,” says Slaton Fire Chief Freddie Rainwater.
You never know where they’re going to go once they take off,” says Rainwater. “Like somebody shooting a handgun- once it leaves the barrel, you never know what happens.”
Rainwater says trash is the number one problem the department faces after the holiday weekend.
“If you’re going to take responsibility of going out there and doing that, you need to take the responsibility of cleaning up behind yourself.”
West Carlisle Fire Chief Tim Smith says common sense should prevail when launching fireworks. He suggests allowing professionals be in charge of major displays.
“Want to make sure that everyone has a good 4th of July, remember the true spirit of the holiday,” he says. “Go to a professional display. Let the experts take care of it instead of trying to do it on your own.”
According to Rainwater, sparklers can burn at temperatures nearly 6 times hotter than boiling water.
“40% of the injuries reported last year were from sparklers themselves,” Smith says. “Encourage folks to be careful, supervise your children, keep that bucket of water handy, make sure you’re using a clean level surface, make sure you don’t point to anyone, towards dry grass, and above all- fireworks are against the law in the city of Lubbock.”
No citations have been issued thus far by the Lubbock Fire Marshal for illegal fireworks this year.
