State fire marshal urges communities to take extra precautions
during 4th of July celebrations
Dry
weather adds to risk of brush fires caused by fireworks
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[July 03, 2012]
SPRINGFIELD
-- The Office of the State Fire Marshal is warning residents
of the heightened danger from fireworks due to overly dry ground
conditions. As conditions worsen, brush and other fires may be
caused by the use of fireworks.
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"It is imperative for our Illinois residents to practice fire
safety, abide by state laws and stay away from illegal fireworks,"
said Larry Matkaitis, state fire marshal. "With the current drought
conditions, just one stray spark from a firework can ignite a
serious brush fire and could threaten people's lives and property.
This year more than ever we encourage people to leave the fireworks
to the professionals and consider attending public firework
displays." Drought conditions increase the risk for accidents and
brush fires. Most fireworks are illegal in Illinois, and only people
with permits from their local authorities are allowed to put on
consumer fireworks displays. As a precaution to prevent lawn fires,
individuals who have permits for consumer fireworks displays should
water the area several days prior to their event, have a 10-pound
fire extinguisher nearby and use a flat surface.
Novelty items such as sparklers also pose a significant hazard.
Sparklers can burn at temperatures as high as 1,200 degrees
Fahrenheit and shower hot sparks that can easily ignite dry grass or
brush.
Last year in Illinois, fireworks were the cause of nearly 200
injuries, and 68 of those cases involved children less than 16 years
of age. More than 90 percent of fireworks-related injuries treated
in hospital emergency rooms every year involve fireworks permitted
under federal regulations, according to the U.S. Fire
Administration.
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Residents should contact their local municipalities for fireworks
display events or any special safety regulations implemented due to
the dry conditions. For more information on fireworks, visit
www.sfm.illinois.gov.
[Text from
Office of the State Fire
Marshal file
received from the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
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