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Fire departments keep busy on July 4th

  • Published
  • By Scott AFB Fire Prevention Office
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Independence Day is quickly approaching and as Team Scott prepares to celebrate America's independence, please keep fire safety in mind.

On July 4th more fires are reported than on any other day throughout the year. Fireworks account for more than half of all these reported fires. On average an estimated 32,600 fires occur annually on the Fourth of July, including 1,700 structure fires, 600 vehicles, and 30,300 outside and other fires. Annually, these fires result in an estimated six civilian deaths, 70 civilian injuries and $34 million in direct property damage.

In 2007, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,800 people for fireworks related injuries. Fifty-six percent of the firework-related injuries were to the extremities and 36 percent were to the head. Forty-nine percent of the firework-related injuries were burns, while 29 percent were contusions and lacerations. Fireworks injuries were 2 1/2 times as high for children ages 5-14 compared to the general population. Sparklers, fountains, and novelties alone accounted for 36 percent of the emergency room fireworks injuries.

The use of fireworks at Scott Air Force Base is prohibited. For those who live off the installation, be sure to check local laws for fireworks use in communities.

If an emergency occurs call 911, provide the dispatcher the nature of the emergency, location of the emergency, your name and call back number. Notify the fire department even if a fire has been extinguished.

For more information, call the Scott AFB Fire Prevention Office at 256-3378.

Fireworks safety tips

Tips for people who live in communities where fireworks are allowed:

- Use fireworks outdoors only.
- Always have water handy (a hose or bucket).
- Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
- Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter, and the shooter should wear safety glasses.
- Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Have a "designated shooter."
- Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.
- Do not ever use homemade fireworks or illegal explosives: They can kill you! Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.