Published
3 months agoon
Fourth of July is the least favorite holiday of the year for firefighters.
That’s because people with no regard for the safety of themselves and their neighbors set off illegal fireworks that burn homes, spark grassfires, and put people in the hospital — or six feet under.
That’s not hyperbole. Between 2006 and 2021, injuries from fireworks climbed 25% in the U.S., according to Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates. One-third of the injuries were burns. And, 61 people died between 2018 and 2021.
Related Story: 17 Hurt as Illegal Fireworks Cache Explodes in Los Angeles
The responsible way to celebrate Independence Day is by viewing professionally staged community fireworks shows such as those coming up at Chukchansi Park, Lamonica Stadium in Clovis, Granite Park, and the Big Fresno Fair.
Another way to show your love for America is by only using certified “safe and sane” fireworks and following the safety tips below this story.
If you think it’s cool to shoot off bottle rockets and light firecrackers, you’re wrong. Before you strike that match, think instead of a child in a burn unit who was rushed to the trauma center after your bottle rocket struck a house or ignited a grass fire.
The challenge faced by firefighters is spelled out by the facts of what they faced on July 4, 2022.
A year ago, city firefighters responded to a two-alarm fire that damaged several Tower District homes, 41 grass fires, and 88 total fires. More than once during the night, every available firefighter and engine was involved in fire suppression.
In addition, Fresno police dispatchers received 309 fireworks-related calls from 4 p.m. on July 4 to 2 a.m. on July 5. In all, 90 citations for illegal fireworks were written.
Cal Fire Fresno was busy as well, responding to 41 fires started by fireworks causing $500,000 in damage. The department issued four citations, made one arrest, and confiscated 800 pounds of illegal fireworks.
Related Story: Worst Night Ever for Illegal Fireworks, Says Fresno Fire Department
The Fresno Fire Department reminds residents:
Bill McEwen is news director and columnist for GV Wire. He joined GV Wire in August 2017 after 37 years at The Fresno Bee. With The Bee, he served as Opinion Editor, City Hall reporter, Metro columnist, sports columnist and sports editor through the years. His work has been frequently honored by the California Newspapers Publishers Association, including authoring first-place editorials in 2015 and 2016. Bill and his wife, Karen, are proud parents of two adult sons, and they have two grandsons. You can contact Bill at 559-492-4031 or at Send an Email