GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – Many people will be celebrating the 4th of July with family, friends, and likely fireworks.
Green Bay Metro Fire Lt. Cody Johnson reminds folks that any type of fireworks that leave the ground or explode are not legal to use in the city of Green Bay.
“What is permitted is sparklers, snakes, spark fountains, and smoke bombs. That’s pretty much the only thing that’s permitted without applying and receiving a permit from the city.”
Although they seem harmless, sparklers can cause some big problems.
“Please don’t allow any children to use any fireworks, including sparklers. Most people tend to forget sparklers burn at 1200 degrees…put that into perspective, glass will melt at 900 degrees,” Johnson said.
Johnson says on average nationwide, 18,000 fires take place around the holiday with half of those attributed to fireworks.
A Medical Perspective
This time of year can bring in more injuries due to fireworks, including minor burns and eye trauma…but that’s not all.
“We do see other types of injuries where it’s affecting bone, muscles, joints and obviously anything with the face can be devastating to someone’s appearance,” said Dr. Al Salmi, an emergency department physician at HSHS St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay.
Sparklers can cause some painful injuries if not used properly.
“The heat, their sharp, kids will drop them and step on them. So, we even see foot injuries from the sharp metal wire sparklers. I know they’ve come out with bigger stick ones that are wooden that may not be as prone to puncture the skin.
Salmi also reminds folks to not drink alcohol while using fireworks.
“Certainly there are going to be parties going on and we don’t like to mix alcohol with the fireworks. Certainly a responsible adult would be the appropriate person to be lighting the fireworks.”
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were over 11,000 firework-related injuries seen in U.S. emergency departments in 2016.
