GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – As we approach the 4th of July, Green Bay Metro Fire and Green Bay Police are teaming up to remind everyone about the dangers of shooting off fireworks on their own.
“We do think firework numbers are going to be higher because the money that was going towards vacations back in March, April, May – that money is going to be spent elsewhere for a home activity, whether it be fireworks,” says Green Bay Metro Fire Lieutenant Shauna Walesh.
Green Bay Metro Fire held a demonstration on the dangers of even small, legal fireworks Wednesday morning. It was a reminder that things like sparklers, snakes, and even fountains are legal – and can be a fun family activity if used properly.
“It is a legal firework, sparklers are, but they are still extremely dangerous. Fireworks get as hot as a blowtorch, so have that in mind when you have some around your children. That’s why we really stress nobody under the age of 5 hold these,” Walesh says, “Everybody’s heard of social distancing what it’s about use that when you’re using a sparkler have that 6 feet area where you don’t have anybody or anything flammable around you.”
That distance is important, as clothing can be extremely flammable. The shirt of a demonstration dummy was completely burned away within just moments of the flames catching onto a sleeve. Parental supervision is also highly recommended – and officials ask those parents to not be mixing alcohol and fireworks. It’s also important to have safety precautions in place.
“Even though it doesn’t ignite, that doesn’t mean it’s not still burning on the inside. So always have a bucket of water or a hose nearby,” Walesh tells WTAQ News.
The improper disposal of smaller fireworks like sparklers is also a common issue – as Green Bay Metro Fire tends to see a higher rate of garbage and garbage truck fires around the 4th of July. It’s recommended to soak those items before fully discarding them.
All officials also requested that all people avoid taping fireworks together to create a ‘Franken-work’ with multiple different pieces.
“Don’t do it. Fireworks aren’t meant to be built into something like a bigger display. They’re packaged the way they are for a reason. Just use one at a time and be smart about it,” Walesh says.
Anything that leaves the ground or explodes is considered an ‘illegal’ firework in the Green Bay area.
“A lot of the times when that stuff leaves the ground, you don’t know where it’s going to end up. So that liability will then fall back on you if you’re responsible for that fire,” says Green Bay Metro Fire Captain Joe Gabe, “We’ll get a fire to a garage, we’ll get burnt up, melted siding, out buildings, or even a whole home. One year we had someone who shot off a Roman candle through a front door and in the closet and lit that on fire.”
Police have already responded to high number of calls involving those types of fireworks being set off around the city. Authorities say while it might be fun and exciting for those lighting them off – it can cause a disruption for others, especially when fireworks are exploding at 2:00 a.m.
“People still want to celebrate the fourth, and hey, we’re all for that. We just want you to do it safely and quietly so you don’t disrupt other people. Just leave the fireworks to the professionals,” says Police Commander Kevin Warych, “But due to the dramatic increase [in calls], we want to alert the community that fireworks are illegal. One – they’re dangerous, and two – they cause countless incidents of property damage and they really put kids at risk.”
About 44% of injuries reported in the time surrounding the 4th of July weekend are related to burn injuries. 5-7 deaths are reported across the country every year due to fireworks incidents.
Warych points out that most conversations will center on education, rather than citations. But in the end, everything is up to the discretion of the responding officer.
“If you issue one person a citation and you’ve got fireworks going off 360 degrees around, then that one person’s like ‘Well what what’s all this?’ We understand that. We take that into consideration. So that’s where we need the community’s help – don’t shoot fireworks off in residential areas,” Warych says, “We want the community to know that if the officers show up to your house, there is a municipal ordinance for possession of the fireworks without a permit. We don’t want to give tickets, we don’t want to do that. We want compliance.”
Under state law, citations for setting off fireworks without a permit can cost up to $1,000. With added municipal ordinances, that could reach upwards of $1,300.
But getting a permit isn’t exactly easy to accomplish. It’s usually something reserved for larger events like concerts or Packers games and their pyrotechnics.
“They have to pay the fee, which is $150. Then follow the NFPA 1124 standard, have the training and certificates – and some of them have ATF licenses to be able to shoot them off. Have to have the $6 million insurance coverage and the proper fallout area to even have the fireworks,” Captain Gabe tells WTAQ News.
Professional fireworks shows that will be held this include July 3rd and 4th in Ashwaubenon following baseball games at Capital Credit Union Park.
Others around the area include:
July 3rd:
- Berlin
Riverside Park, dusk - Fisk
Utica Town Hall, dusk - Shawano
Airport, dusk - Weyauwega
Over Lake Weyauwega, dusk
July 4th:
- Appleton
Wis. International Raceway, 9:45p.m. - Crivitz
- Village Park, 9:45 p.m.
- Florence
Fisher Lake Park, dusk - Green Lake
Deacon Mills Park, dusk - Gillett
Behind the grocery store, 9:30 p.m. - Manitowoc
South Pier, 9:30 p.m. - Neenah
Arrowhead Park, dusk - Ripon
Murray Park, dusk - Townsend
Ballpark, dusk - Two Rivers
Walsh Field, dusk - Wausaukee
Strumbris Park, dusk - Wautoma
Waushara County Fairgrounds, dusk - Winneconne
Wolf River Shore, 9:30 p.m.
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