Fire officials concerned about fireworks safety through July 4

If dry conditions persist, there’s a possibility of a fireworks ban, officials say

Going into the Fourth of July holiday weekend, Kansas City, Kan., fire officials are concerned about safety this year.

Fireworks can be sold at stands in Kansas City, Kan., starting Wednesday, June 29, through July 4, and they can be legally discharged between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. July 2-4, according to a city ordinance.

Deputy Fire Chief John W. Zimbelman said even though it rained this morning, there is still a concern about dry and hot weather on July 4 causing increased fire danger. The Fire Department is offering cautions and safety tips in the hope that residents will have a safe and happy Fourth of July.

Although there is some rain in the forecast for the next few days, if there is a red flag warning around the Fourth of July, there may be a possibility that shooting fireworks could be banned, Zimbelman said.

In general, according to Zimbelman, Kansas City, Kan., has been having a weather pattern similar to 2012, when there were 62 fires on July 4 followed by 32 fires the next day. Very hot temperatures and high winds contribute to the dry conditions.

If, however, Kansas City, Kan., gets two or three more rains like today’s, fire officials will not be so concerned about dry conditions over the Fourth, he added.

Children and fireworks safety

Zimbelman said the biggest challenge from fireworks faced by firefighters every year is the unsupervised use of fireworks by children.

Sometimes parents buy fireworks for kids and then don’t supervise them, he said. Children need to be supervised and shown the proper way to handle fireworks, he said. Parents need to be present and available if there is an emergency. There should be a bucket of water, garden hose or some kind of flexible hose for water pump ready nearby.

There are correct ways and incorrect ways to discharge fireworks. For example, the correct way to light a firecracker is to lay it down on the ground and use a punk to light it, standing away from the firecracker.

Fireworks stands

This year, there are 47 licensed fireworks stands in the city of Kansas City, Kan., Zimbelman said. The fireworks stands can sell only what is legal in Kansas City, Kan.

Fireworks such as bottle rockets and any propelled object with a fin or stick are illegal, he said.

The Fire Department inspects the fireworks stands here every day, checking the inventory to see if they comply with the ordinance, he said. If illegal fireworks are found, they are removed. Also, the stands are not allowed to sell to minors, he added.

Zimbelman said violations of the fireworks ordinance are a matter for the Police Department to enforce, and individuals may call the police with information about violations.

Safe alternatives to shooting fireworks at home

The safe alternatives to shooting fireworks yourselves include attending community events. Several are held throughout Greater Kansas City, and a couple are in Kansas City, Kan.

Turner community fireworks event: A free public fireworks display sponsored by the Unified Government and Turner Recreation Commission will be held at 9:45 p.m. Sunday, July 3, at Pierson Park, 1800 S. 55th St., Kansas City, Kan. A professional crew will conduct the fireworks display. No personal fireworks are allowed in the park. Those attending may bring blankets and lawn chairs.

T-Bones fireworks: The T-Bones baseball team will have post-game fireworks displays after the games at 7:05 p.m. July 2 and July 3 at CommunityAmerica Ballpark, 1800 Village West Parkway, Kansas City, Kan. There is a charge to attend the game. On July 3, there is also a scheduled flyover by the Kansas Air National Guard. There are no fireworks scheduled Friday, July 1, at the 7:05 p.m. game, but there is an appearance scheduled that night by the Falcon skydiving team.

Fireworks safety tips

Zimbelman sent out these tips to help residents keep safe:

• Purchase fireworks from reliable sources, never discharge homemade or illegal fireworks.

• Have a responsible adult in charge and never give fireworks to children.

• Prepare a safe environment outdoors for shooting off fireworks by selecting an area clear of other fireworks, combustible materials like dried wood or grass, buildings, and other people.

• Have water readily available such as a garden hose and a bucket of water.

• Always read and follow label directions for the safe discharge of fireworks. Fireworks users should wear tight clothing to avoid accidental contact with sparks and use eye protection when handling and lighting fireworks.

• Light fireworks one at a time and wait until it discharges, never attempt to re-light a device that did not discharge the first time it was lit.

• Do not throw or point fireworks at people or animals. Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers

• Dispose of spent fireworks properly when you are done by soaking them in water before putting them in a trash can

If you get burned from fireworks, remember the do’s and don’ts of burn care, according to fire officials. If the injury is severe, call 911 immediately for emergency medical care.

Do

Cool a burn by flushing with water.

Cover the burn with a dry, clean covering.

Keep the victim comfortable and from becoming chilled or overheated.

Do Not

Apply ice directly to any burn.

Touch a burn with anything except a clean covering.

Remove pieces of cloth that stick to the burned area.

Break blisters or use any kind of ointment on a severe burn.

KCK, Bonner Springs and Edwardsville ordinances

Kansas City, Kan., Bonner Springs and Edwardsville all have fireworks ordinances, which are similar in the items that are prohibited.

To see these ordinances, visit:

KCK: https://www.municode.com/library/ks/wyandotte_county_-_unified_government/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CH15FIPRPR

Bonner Springs: http://www.bonnersprings.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=468

Edwardsville: http://www.edwardsvilleks.org/DocumentCenter/Home/View/57

To see a story about Edwardsville fireworks rules, visit https://wyandotteonline.com/edwardsville-releases-fireworks-rules/