The Fourth of July is an exciting and entertaining holiday! Like most U.S. cities, here in Boise, we love celebrating the birth of the United States with parades, picnics, and, of course, fireworks. If you are planning to celebrate with fireworks, it’s essential to understand the local laws and regulations, not just to protect yourself and your family, but also to protect your home.
According to the National Fire Prevention Association, the improper use of fireworks started an estimated 19,500 fires in 2021, including 1,900 structure fires, 500 vehicle fires, and 17,100 other fires. These fires caused five deaths, 46 civilian injuries, and $105 million in direct property damage.
At Paul Davis Restoration in Boise, we specialize in fire and smoke damage repair, but we also want to help prevent accidents that could cause fire damage to your home.
Here are the local laws and regulations, as well as a few simple tips to help you and your loved ones stay safe this Independence Day.
LOCAL LAWS & REGULATIONS
In the City of Boise, it is lawful to sell and use “safe and sane fireworks” from midnight June 23 until midnight July 5. To purchase fireworks, you must be at least 18 years of age or older, unless accompanied by an adult.
However, fireworks are always prohibited in the Boise foothills, and not allowed in Boise city parks (please remember parks close at sunset).
Here are some suggestions for the Boise Fire Department to help you enjoy your fireworks for the Fourth of July.
DANGEROUS & PROHIBITED FIREWORKS
Here are some examples provided by the City of Boise fire department, of fireworks that are NOT considered “safe and sane”:
- Fireworks containing explosive material that will burn or combust when ignited.
- Examples include, but are not limited to: firecrackers, cherry bombs, M-80s.
- Fireworks that leave the ground of their own accord, or fly when tossed into the air.
- Examples include, but are not limited to: skyrockets, bottle rockets, mortar shells, Roman candles.
- Fireworks designed for ground use that travel outside of a 15 foot diameter circle.
- Fireworks designed for ground use that, as a means of propulsion, emit showers or sparks longer than 12 inches.
- Fireworks designed for use from a stationary position that emit sparks, showers, or flaming balls, vertically more than 20 feet; or from which discharged material falls beyond a 20 foot diameter circle.
PREVENT FIRE DAMAGE BY STAYING SAFE
In 2021, nearly 12,000 people were treated in emergency departments for injuries related to fireworks according to the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA).
This year, there will be an estimated 75,000 firework displays in the U.S. By using proper fire safety procedures, you can protect yourself and your home from accidents or fire damage.
STORE FIREWORKS PROPERLY
When you’re storing your fireworks, keep them in a cool, dry place, near a fire extinguisher, and away from children and pets.
Always keep fireworks separated from other flammable materials such as gasoline, matches, and lighters. You should also make sure that they’re not stored near food or any other consumables (like alcohol).
KEEP FIREWORKS AWAY FROM CHILDREN
The best way to keep your children safe is to keep fireworks, matches, and lighters away from them completely. Children should not be allowed to handle fireworks, play with fireworks, or light fireworks without parental supervision.
USE FIREWORKS IN WIDE-OPEN AREAS
You should never use fireworks indoors. It’s important to always set up fireworks in a wide-open area, away from crowds of people or pets.
Make sure there are no trees or other structures in the area and it is clear of flammable materials such as dry leaves or grasses, as well as glass or other breakable materials. Paved cul-de-sacs and parking lots are usually safe places to ignite and enjoy fireworks.
BUY ONLY FROM RELIABLE SELLERS
Buying fireworks from a reliable seller is critical to ensuring safety. Before buying, ask these questions:
- Is the seller licensed? If so, by whom?
- How long have they been in business?
- What is their reputation among other customers in your area?
- Are they complying with what the law allows them to sell?
WEAR APPROPRIATE CLOTHING
It is important to make sure your clothing is appropriate for handling flammable materials. Loose or overly-baggy clothing can accidentally catch on fire and lead to injury. You should always wear protective eyewear, long pants, and a long-sleeve shirt or jacket to help keep you safe from exposure.
Wearing gloves and boots are essential to protecting hands and feet.
Long hair should be tied back to prevent sparks from catching it on fire.
Children and pets should also wear protective gear when around fireworks.
FOLLOW DIRECTIONS ON THE PACKAGING
If you’re going to set off fireworks, make sure you’re following the instructions on the product packaging. Fireworks can be dangerous if they are damaged or expired, so if these conditions are present, don’t use them!
Also, you should never use fireworks if you have a medical condition that could be aggravated by their use.
REMAIN AT A SAFE DISTANCE
A safe distance for fireworks is 15 feet or greater. Do not allow spectators to stand closer than 15 feet from the designated area. Also, make sure everyone knows how to use a fire extinguisher in case of emergency.
Keep a large bucket of water readily available to douse any sparks that may land on dry grassy areas.
PROPERLY DISPOSE OF FIREWORKS
You should place spent fireworks in a bucket of water, away from structures and people. This will help ensure that no one gets hurt by any leftover embers or sparks escaping out of the top of the bucket.
BE SAFE & HAVE FUN
Fireworks are fun and exciting, but they can also be dangerous if not handled properly!
Fireworks can cause serious injuries if used improperly and may even start fires if left unattended. This is why it is important to always follow the directions on the package, especially regarding age restrictions and safety precautions like wearing eye protection and keeping pets away from the area where you will be lighting off fireworks.
So, this Fourth of July, when you go out to enjoy fireworks with your family and friends, remember these tips to stay safe, and have a blast!