HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — Fireworks are available for sale across the Tennessee Valley, and while they can be a lot of fun, it is important to take precautions.
“For many, barbecues and backyard fireworks are a tradition, and when used responsibly and legally, provide safe family fun,” Huntsville Fire Marshal Dan Wilkerson said.
If using fireworks, safety should be a top priority.
- Keep fireworks away from young children.
- Make sure to have a hose or water bucket nearby to put out fireworks.
- Never aim a firework at another person.
- Do not carry a firework in your pocket or hold onto it while lit.
- Keep anyone watching you shoot fireworks at a safe distance.
- Do not try to reignite a firework that does not light the first time.
Assistant Fire Marshal Jerry Tanner warns that sparklers pack more of a punch than people expect.
“They are allowed in the city limits of Huntsville, but the one thing most people don’t realize, they burn at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit, and that’s extremely hot,” Tanner said. “That will start a fire exceptionally fast on grass, brush fire, a house, anything.”
According to Tanner, nearly 20,000 people are injured each year by fireworks.
Huntsville allows limited use of fireworks inside city limits, including non-aerial and non-explosive fireworks.
“The only thing that’s allowed in the city limits are sparklers and the volcano cones, the ones that shoot sparks,” Tanner said. “You can find those at just about any big box store nowadays.”
Tanner said the safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a professional show. Firework shows are planned across the Tennessee Valley on Friday.
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