For many, use of fireworks is an indispensable part of their Independence Day celebrations. The Great Bend Fire Department wants to make sure people stay safe and use them responsibly.

Each year, GBFD responds to multiple reports of fires and injuries resulting from the misuse of fireworks or the use of illegal fireworks, said GBFD Fire Inspector Mike Smith.

Smith cited 2018 statistics from the National Fire Protection Association, which indicated misuse of fireworks was the primary cause of 19,500 fires nationwide, resulting in more than $105 million in indirect property damage. In 2019, 12 deaths and 10,000 injuries nationwide resulted from the misuse of fireworks.

“We want everybody to be to have fun, but it’s not fun if you’re getting hurt,” Smith said.

Locally, last year the department responded to nine fireworks-related fire calls, down from years past. Nine may not seem like much, he said, but it can add up quickly when the value of damaged property, as well as the danger to the public, is added in.

The primary injuries his department sees as a result of fireworks misuse or malfunctioning fireworks are hand and facial burn injuries. 

Smith stressed that both city and county ordinances state though fireworks are legal for purchase beginning June 27, discharge of fireworks is legal only on July 4. In the city of Great Bend, the hours are 8 a.m. to midnight, and outside the city limits the hours are 8 a.m. to midnight. In Ellinwood, discharge of fireworks is legal only between the hours of 8 a.m. and midnight July 4. In Hoisington, discharge is legal only between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. on July 4. In Claflin the hours are 8 a.m. to midnight on July 4 only.

In Larned, discharge is allowed only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. on July 1-3 and between 8 a.m. and midnight on July 4.

Safety precautions

When it comes time to light those fireworks, Smith offered several tips and precautions citizens can take to protect themselves and their homes:

• Do not try to light fireworks while they are in your hand and throw them, and never throw lit fireworks at other people.

• Never try to relight fireworks that have malfunctioned.

• When lighting fireworks that are on the ground, never have any portion of your body over the firework. Fireworks can occasionally go off too soon, and leaning over it can result in injury.

• Soak used fireworks in water prior to disposal. Each year, the department responds to numerous dumpster or trash fires which resulted from fireworks smoldering or sparking in the trash. One way to do this is to keep a water hose or water bucket close by to soak the fireworks after use.

• Never set fireworks off near dry grass or other combustible materials. Sparks from fireworks can easily set those materials on fire, especially in hot, dry conditions. 

• Never experiment with homemade fireworks. “We have a lot a lot of people trying to make their own fireworks, and that doesn’t necessarily go well,” Smith said. 

This is especially important this year, in the face of national supply chain issues. Local retailers at Fireworks for Less and T&L Fireworks both report legitimate legal fireworks have been more difficult and more costly to obtain this year.

Shipping costs primarily have skyrocketed, they noted, multiplying by several times, especially for fireworks obtained by retailers from overseas, causing fireworks costs to rise significantly. 

• Do not give fireworks to small children. For example, Smith said, sparklers, which are popular with younger children, burn at approximately 1200 degrees, or 300 degrees hotter than the temperature at which glass melts.

• Never use illegal fireworks. Several types of fireworks, including bottle rockets and skyrockets, which are a type of firework that uses a solid-fuel rocket to rise quickly into the sky, are illegal to use. Another common type of firework, sky lanterns, which launch in the air and can travel long distances, must be tethered to the ground. Without that tether, they are illegal.

• Fireworks are also prohibited from being set off near several types of businesses, including gas stations, hospitals, nursing homes, and near fireworks stands.

• Do not consume alcohol while using fireworks. “I know everyone wants to have fun, but alcohol and fireworks don’t usually mix real well,” Smith said.

• Do not use fireworks barefoot. Injuries can happen by stepping on lit fireworks, as well.

• Make sure all fireworks activities are supervised by a responsible adult.

• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.

• Never light fireworks indoors.

• If your pet fears fireworks, put it in an interior room and turn on some music. There are also anti-anxiety medications that your vet can prescribe.

• Make sure your pets do not chew on fireworks. Fireworks contain several chemicals and heavy metals that can be hazardous to animals.