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Officials urge fireworks safety during holiday

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Springfield Fire Chief Nick Heimlich demonstrates the flammability of a cotton T-shirt, which can be set ablaze with a sparkler that can reach temperatures as high as 2,000° Fahrenheit. The fire department recommends that children using any fireworks – including sparklers – be supervised by adults.

Barbara J. Perenic/Staff Photo Springfield Fire Chief Nick Heimlich demonstrates the flammability of a cotton T-shirt, which can be set ablaze with a sparkler that can reach temperatures as high as 2,000° Fahrenheit. The fire department recommends that children using any fireworks – including sparklers – be supervised by adults.

Even novelty items like sparklers can be dangerous.

By Andrea Chaffin, Staff Writer Updated 8:52 AM Thursday, June 30, 2011

SPRINGFIELD — Colorful explosions will likely decorate the skies in every direction this holiday weekend, but officials are urging the public to remember safety and the law first.

Ohio law prohibits the use of fireworks in the state, with the only exemption being novelty items such as sparklers and noisemakers. Offenders can be fined $1,000 with a six-month jail sentence.

But even legal items that seem innocent can be dangerous, said Springfield Fire Division Chief Nick Heimlich. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, about 8,600 people were treated in hospitals for injuries related to fireworks, and 1,200 of those were associated with sparklers. The tip of a sparkler can reach up to 2,000 degrees and cause third-degree burns.

“And we let the kids run around with it,” Heimlich said. “You need to guard your child.”

Although fireworks are sold within state boundaries, consumers must sign an agreement to take them out of state within 48 hours.

Heimlich said it’s difficult to enforce statutes when they’re associated with a holiday tradition, so they focus efforts on calls with behavior that increases risk or involves children.

“It’s a policy of containment rather than enforcement,” he added.

Clark County Sheriff Gene Kelly said it makes no sense that the state sells fireworks, and he said the department experiences a “tremendous” number of calls related to their use.

Kelly estimated that out of every 100 calls, one arrest is made. Calls have to be prioritized, and by the time the deputy gets there, the suspects have vanished. Charges can only be filed when the suspect is caught in the act, he said.

“It’s a burden to the taxpayers, it disturbs the peace and it’s illegal,” he said.

Officials agree residents should skip the unlicensed backyard performances.

“Go to the demonstrations, enjoy the friendships and eat lots of good food,” Heimlich said. “But leave the fireworks to the professionals.”

Contact this reporter at achaffin@coxohio.com