With bottle rockets and roman candles expected to be lighting up the sky in celebration of July Fourth, fire officials encourage people to use extreme caution.

Unlike in past years when people wishing to buy fireworks were required to sign a document claiming they will take the fireworks out of Indiana before using them, this year the law has changed.

The new laws passed last year by the Indiana General Assembly will affect the way “consumer” (previously known as “Class C”) fireworks can be sold, purchased and used. Class C fireworks include bottle rockets, Roman candles and fire crackers.

Many fireworks, such as Roman candles and bottle rockets, may be legally used as long as they are launched from and land on the user’s property, the property of someone consenting their use or special discharge sites.

However, children under 18 will not be allowed to buy or use any type of fireworks, including sparklers, without adult supervision.

“The fireworks, like bottle rockets, Roman candles and fire crackers which used to be illegal are now legal,” Deputy Chief Dave King of the Kokomo Fire Department.

With the change in the new law, fire officials are more concerned with injuries.

“Obviously, personal injuries are our No. 1 priority and property damage is No. 2,” King said. “Those two things usually happen this time of year.”

From his experience, King said most people lighting fireworks are responsible.

“It’s usually the children and younger children who are not supervised close enough,” he said of fireworks injuries.

“Some people don’t realize the dangers. Sparklers, for example, contain phosphorus and can reach up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s quite a bit of heat in a child’s hand.”

Despite the new fireworks law, city officials don’t want people lighting their own fireworks in Foster Park during Saturday’s Haynes Apperson Festival fireworks display.

“The Kokomo Fire Department is requiring through the parks department people not to light off fireworks at all in the park,” King said. “We want people to respect the safety of all other citizens who are trying to enjoy the show. We want everybody to have fun and not get hurt.”

The Indiana Department of Health is also concerned with the growing number of injuries due to fireworks.

“We typically see a sharp spike in the number of fireworks-related injuries around the July Fourth holiday, especially to children and teenagers,” said Charlene Graves, M.D., medical director, Injury Prevention Program at the Indiana State Department of Health.

Graves said that in 2006, 55 percent of all fireworks-related injuries were to children and adolescents, who make up only one-fourth of Indiana’s population.

In 2006, there were 251 cases of fireworks injuries reported to the State Department of Health. Twenty-nine percent of the total injuries involved the eyes, 73 percent were burns, and 12 percent required specialized care for burns or eye injuries. Ninety-seven percent of people with eye injuries were not using any method of eye protection, Graves said.

“Fireworks injuries are often severe and can result in blindness or loss of a finger or even a hand, but most injuries can be prevented,” she said. “The best way is to attend public fireworks displays rather than buying fireworks for personal use.”

For people wishing to have a public display of fireworks, fire department officials said it still is necessary to obtain a permit from the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

To get a permit, you must provide a certificate of insurance, a diagram of the area of the display, including the “drop zone” and use qualified shooters for the display.

Fireworks can be purchased only by people 18 or older and children may possess or use any fireworks only when an adult is present.

Penalties for violating the law can range from a Class A misdemeanor up to a Class C felony in the case of the reckless or intentional use of fireworks that results in a person’s death.

The new law also includes requirements for fireworks retailers:

Locations where fireworks are sold must be registered with the state Division of Fire and Building Safety, unless it is a permanent structure where only Section 8(a) fireworks such as sparklers and ground spinners are sold. The locations must also comply with safety requirements specified in the law for various types of structures.

Each retail location will collect a public safety fee on each transaction, payable to the Indiana Department of Revenue.

In addition to providing new funds for firefighter training, the fees also will be used to establish a State Disaster Relief Fund, which will help cover the costs of the state’s response to emergencies or disasters, especially those that may not qualify for any federal disaster assistance.

Mike Fletcher may be reached at (765) 454-8565 or via e-mail at mike.fletcher@kokomotribune.com



Fireworks safety tips:

• Have an adult supervise firework activities

• Don’t let children light off fireworks

• Store fireworks in a cool or dry place

• Always purchase legal fireworks from a reliable licensed dealer

• Use on a clear, open area keep and keep the audience at a safe and clear distance from the fireworks

• Never alter fireworks or make your own

• Light one firework at a time and never attempt to re-light or fix a dud

• Have a fire extinguisher or hose nearby just in case

• Use caution in strong wind conditions. The Kokomo Fire Department uses a 15 mph limit

• Never smoke when handling fireworks

• Never aim, throw or point a firework at another person

• Always use fireworks outdoors

• Remember alcohol and fireworks don’t mix

Source: National Council on Fireworks Safety



Fireworks questions:

Anyone with more questions on the legal use of fireworks can contact the Kokomo Fire Department administration office at (765) 457-2636.



Local Fourth of July events:

Kokomo

Saturday — Haynes-Apperson Festival fireworks at Foster Park at 10 p.m. Parade begins at 2 p.m.

Tipton

July 4 — God Bless USA Sky concert at Tipton County 4-H Fairgrounds 10 p.m.

Walton

July 4 — Fireworks display at the town park at dusk. Fish fry and car show at fire department from 4-6 p.m. Parade at Howard and Gretchen streets begins at 2 p.m.

Greentown

July 4 — Fireworks display at the Howard County 4-H Fairgrounds at dusk

Peru

July 4 — Hometown celebration, river walkway. Fireworks display at dusk.