Ada Reporter

As Independence Day approaches, Fire Departments throughout the Treasure Valley are reminding residents to celebrate safely. Improper use of fireworks can cause serious injuries and fires to structures and surrounding areas. Instead, residents are encouraged to attend one of the many celebrations cities across the valley are hosting to celebrate this 4th of July.

While it's tempting to purchase and light fireworks at home, it's important to keep in mind the risks and hazards involved. When purchasing fireworks, it is important to keep in mind that these fireworks must be legal and used with caution. Even legal fireworks can still cause serious damage to property or harm to individuals if not used with caution. It's crucial to be aware of your city's firework ordinances before making any purchases, as they may vary among cities.

“We would like to remind parents to not allow young children to light or handle fireworks. Be careful with sparklers with the metal rods. They can burn at temperatures above 2000 degrees and burns can happen very quickly. When done with your fireworks, place them in a metal bucket of water to soak prior to throwing them away,” says Meridian Fire Marshal Joe Bongiorno. “As a safer alternative to lighting fireworks at home, we recommend visiting one of the many public displays of fireworks in your area.”

It's also important to note that the current drought conditions in Idaho have increased the risk of wildland fires, therefore residents should avoid using fireworks in the foothills. Here are some additional firework safety tips:

DO:

• Purchase fireworks from a reliable seller.
• Supervise all fireworks activity with an adult present.
• Inspect fireworks for damage before using.
• Have a fire extinguisher or water nearby when setting off fireworks.
• Ignite fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from buildings, vehicles, and vegetation.
• Set fireworks on a hard-paved surface in a wide-open area, with spectators 25’ to 100’ away from the ignition site.
• Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in a bucket of water immediately after use and before disposing in the trash.
• Store unused fireworks in a cool dry place away from access to children.

DON'T:

• Give fireworks to small children.
• Point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Hold lit fireworks in your hand.
• Set off fireworks in a large crowd of people.
• Use fireworks by dry grass or flammable materials.
• Experiment with homemade fireworks or attempt to alter fireworks.
• Ignite fireworks in metal or glass containers.
• Attempt to relight malfunctioning fireworks.
• Use fireworks that appear to have gotten wet then dried, have loose fuses, appear old or show any other signs of mishandling.
• Ignite fireworks if they do not have a "Safe and Sane" label on them.

To learn more about city sponsored fireworks in your area, please visit the city’s website:

4th of July | Boise, ID ( Cityofboise.org)

4th of July | Meridian, ID ( meridiancity.org )

4th of July | Caldwell, ID ( cityofcaldwell.org)

Eagle Fun Days July 7th | Eagle, ID ( cityofeagle.org) 

Original source can be found here.