Firework safety urged over this holiday weekend

The state has strict regulations for the use of fireworks, enforcement taken seriously

By: Gail Cole

Posted: 7/2/08

Fireworks are just as popular on the Fourth of July as are barbecues and American flags.
Local fireworks stands are required to have permits from both the state and Corvallis that allow them to sell fireworks, and are also checked for proper safety measures by the Corvallis Fire Department.
"We make a site visit to make sure they have a fire extinguisher, [and] have their permit posted," said Jim Patton, Prevention Officer with the Corvallis Fire Department.
Patton said these safety measures have helped regulate the sale of legal fireworks and have helped keep the public safe.
"We've never had a problem with licensed vendors selling illegal fireworks," he said.
Patton said that fireworks are on sale in Oregon between June 23 and July 7. People must be at least 16 years old to purchase legal fireworks, and stores and individual stands will ask for picture ID.
The National Council on Fireworks Safety 2008 news release urges the public to obey all local laws regarding fireworks for their own safety.
Fireworks that are legal for use in Oregon are those that shoot 12 feet or less into the air and travel no further than six feet while on the ground - also known as Safe and Sane fireworks.
"Typically, [illegal fireworks] are things that launch into the air, such as bottle rockets, roman candles, mortars, rockets, and fire crackers," Patton said.
Fireworks that are modified by individuals can be as potentially dangerous as illegal fireworks.
"They might modify them to make them more exciting, which typically makes them more dangerous," Patton said.
Patton warned that anyone caught with illegal and modified fireworks can expect all their fireworks to be confiscated, including any which are legal. In addition to confiscation, a person can face fines ranging from $50 to $500, depending on the magnitude of the firework.
"The more substantially they modify the fireworks, the higher the fine," Patton said. "If they cause damage or injury, there will be court time and jail time."
In addition to urging the public to follow local laws, the National Council said that all fireworks should be lit outside, and the shooter should wear safety goggles. The Council also recommends having either a hose or a bucket of water in the area where fireworks are being lit.
If a group is drinking alcohol at a Fourth of July celebration, the National Council also recommends having one adult refrain from drinking to be the "designated shooter" of fireworks.
The National Council said that sparklers should be used by those age 12 and older. Patton agreed with this, and said that sparklers are dangerous because they can reach over 300 degrees.
"You can start a fire with the most innocent sparkler," he said.
Luckily, most students are aware of the danger of fireworks.
"I always have a bucket full of water," said Matt Blackburn, a junior in construction engineering management. "I make sure there's one person lighting. I always make sure that we're in an area where we can't cause forest fires."
Patton suggested that for safety reasons adults should purchase all fireworks for anyone under 18 years old and monitor their use.
Patton says that most fireworks are imported and often do not go through the same safety inspections as American-made products, making them unpredictable even when legal and launched under safe circumstances.
According to the Department of Public Safety, Oregon State has no specific rules regarding fireworks use on campus, and that the laws that apply to fireworks use in the state will apply to use on campus.