Warren Morris, 10, looks over fireworks at Lit Fireworks. Sunday, July 3, 2022.
Tom Russo | Daily Reporter
HANCOCK COUNTY — As Greenfield and Hancock County residents prep to celebrate the 4th of July, area officials are asking people to be mindful of fireworks safety tips as well as area ordinances surrounding times fireworks can be set off.
A look at national firework safety levels shows fireworks are more dangerous than ever, and consumers need to remember that when celebrating as well as keep in mind how dry the area has been as of late despite a few recent isolated showers.
According to some of latest figures from 2022 from the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), 11 deaths were caused by fireworks on the 4th of July. The NFPA found children and teenagers are more likely to sustain injuries from the use of consumer fireworks; in 2018, children under the age of 15 made up over a third of the total fireworks-related injuries, and half of all fireworks related accidents involved injuries to the extremities, with 34% affecting the eye or other areas of the head.
“We want everyone to have a fun and safe Independence Day,” Deputy Chief of the Greenfield Police Department Chuck McMichael said. “If your plans include fireworks, please be extra careful this year since it’s been so dry.”
In the City of Greenfield, fireworks are only permitted to be displayed from 5 p.m. until two hours past sunset (roughly 11:15 p.m.) through July 3 then from 10 a.m. to midnight on July 4th and 5 p.m. until two hours past sunset (roughly 11:15 p.m.) July 5 through July 9.
All other days, fireworks are prohibited by Greenfield City Ordinance 91.210. Lighting fireworks outside of these days and times may result in a fine of $100 for the first offense and $300 fines for subsequent offenses.
Some additional restrictions include only lighting fireworks from your own property or property where permission has been given.
“You are not permitted to light fireworks on city streets,” McMichael said. “There are several reasons for this, but mostly it’s about safety.”
Tips include never lighting or throwing fireworks from inside of a vehicle, and never holding a firework in hand. Officials recommend using a container to hold and shoot fireworks from and to never let children light or handle fireworks.
“It’s just too dangerous to risk it,” McMichael said.
Other safety tips include never store fireworks near open flames and do not smoke around them. When lighting fireworks, be sure to store unused fireworks far away from display areas. Also, keep the windows of your home closed so there isn’t a possibility of a firework getting into the house and causing a fire.
Officials also say it’s important to dump used fireworks into a bucket of water and let them stay overnight, away from structures when finished.
“Never put used fireworks into a trash can near your home,” McMichael said. “They may feel cold, but there could be lingering embers inside that could ignite and cause a fire.”
Another safety tip? Never mix alcohol and fireworks. Officials note that’s a recipe for trouble.
A new report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is raising awareness and sharing safety tips to prevent injuries and deaths over the holiday.
In 2023, CPSC received reports of eight deaths and an estimated 9,700 injuries involving fireworks. Out of the eight deaths, five were associated with firework misuse, two with a device malfunction, and one involves unknown circumstances. The report showed between 2008 and 2023, injuries from fireworks have increased overall.
“While it’s a tradition to enjoy fireworks around the 4th of July, it is important to remember that all fireworks, even sparklers, pose dangers to consumers,” CPSC Chairman Alex Hoehn-Saric said in a release.
Officials from the CPSC say an estimated 800 emergency department-treated injuries were associated with firecrackers and 700 with sparklers; parts of the body most often injured by fireworks were hands and fingers (an estimated 35 percent of injuries) along with head, face and ears (an estimated 22 percent); some 42 percent of the emergency department-treated fireworks-related injuries were for burns.
In 2023, the CPSC said approximately 18% of selected and tested fireworks products were found to contain non-compliant components, including fuse violations, the presence of prohibited chemicals and pyrotechnic materials overload.
Officials with Buck Creek Township Fire Department are reminding people to follow local laws and do the simple things like maintaining a safe distance (500 feet) from fireworks once they are lit; never ignite fireworks indoors, near gasoline, vehicles or, near dry grass; always have an adult present; have water ready; never relight a dud, and please be mindful of pets by keeping them indoors.
As for county firework laws, officials with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department note they follow state law. In Indiana, residents are allowed to set fireworks off until 11 p.m. any day of the week. On the Fourth of July, people can set off fireworks until midnight.
Officials say the safest way to enjoy the 4th of July is to let professionals handle the fireworks.
