Precautions could help make Independence Day incident-free
Fireworks safety isn't just about making sure you don't hold on to a lit M-80.
In Clark County, fireworks that fly, spin on the ground or explode are always illegal, but they can be purchased out of the county or on an Indian reservation. Fireworks purchased legally at a reservation that aren't approved as Safe and Sane need to be used in a specially designated area on the reservation.
Fireworks are not permitted in state parks or other public lands because of the obvious fire hazard.
"Everything is so dry this time of year, so it's real danger," said David K. Morrow, administrator for the Nevada Division of State Parks. "Usually, the fire is well under way before we can get to it. We are on alert, and we do prosecute."
Because of the illegal use of these fireworks, residents should periodically step outside and check for fires on their property, said Kelly Blackmon, deputy fire chief with the Clark County Fire Department. Pets should be kept indoors as much as possible this week, especially on Monday. To report someone who is using illegal fireworks, call 311, unless there is an emergency, such as a fire or an injured person.
"We receive fireworks calls throughout the year, but the majority are in July," Metropolitan Police Department spokeswoman Laura Meltzer said. "Last year, we received 19,058 calls regarding fireworks."
It's a good idea to clear dry weeds and leaves from your property this week and collect any flammable material that may have accumulated there, Blackmon said. Keep your garden hose connected this week, in case an errant firework sets a blaze on your property.
Safe and Sane fireworks can be purchased on seemingly every corner in the valley in the weeks leading up to July 4.
"Anything you can buy at one of those booths has been inspected and is approved," Blackmon said. "They'll have things like sparklers and showers -- nothing that goes into the air."
Despite the name, they are safe only to a point and certainly not something unsupervised children should be allowed to play with. Many children still bear brands from sparklers from previous years.
Fireworks should be used on a flat, firm surface on your property, such as a driveway. A bucket of water and a shovel should be kept on hand. It's illegal to use fireworks on streets and sidewalks, but perhaps longtime residents can attest that it happens, so motorists are advised to use extra caution when driving through neighborhoods this week.
Fireworks may be in the street, and excited children may be more focused on them than the traffic, safety officials said.
Contact Sunrise and Whitney View reporter F. Andrew Taylor at ataylor@viewnews.com or 380-4532.
Keep it legal and safe on July 4
Illegal fireworks
Only Safe-N-Sane fireworks purchased from authorized Fire Prevention Association of Nevada wholesalers and retailers are legal for possession, storage or use from June 28 to July 4 of any year. Fire officials urge extreme caution when using the fireworks and following safety rules.
Fireworks that fly through the air, explode or rotate on the ground are illegal in Clark County. Usually referred to as illegal fireworks, they can be confiscated, and the person in possession can be cited. The penalty is a maximum of six months in jail or a $1,000 fine, or both.
Illegal fireworks are usually sold outside of Clark County and on American Indian reservations. Those sold on reservations should be used only at specially designated areas on the reservation. Taking fireworks off the reservation is illegal. Those in possession can have their fireworks confiscated and be cited.
Illegal fireworks are dangerous because the person using them does not have complete control. Flying rockets can land anywhere, such as in trees, causing them to catch fire. Those that explode or rotate on the ground can cause serious injury.
Where and how to use fireworks
Fireworks should be used on a flat, firm surface, such as the ground or a driveway; they are illegal on the street or sidewalk.
Stay away from bushes, grass, trees or anything that may catch fire, and stay away from vehicles.
Have a large bucket of water and garden hose available for use in case of a fire. Call 911 if necessary.
A responsible adult should be present at all times when fireworks are being used.
After the fireworks have been used, they should be picked up with a shovel, dropped into a bucket of water and soaked overnight before discarding them.
Duds, or fireworks that do not go off after being lit, should be picked up with a shovel and dropped into a bucket of water.
All fireworks are illegal as of 12:01 a.m. July 5.
Fireworks are illegal at all times on streets, in parks and other recreational areas, on city property or on school district property.
Fireworks are not permitted on federal property. Using fireworks in park lands can be extremely dangerous. People caught can face extreme penalties.
If a fire occurs on public land, the person responsible will be charged for the cost of suppressing the blaze.
HENDERSON FIRE DEPARTMENT
