Celebrating with fireworks safely ahead of July 4th

SULLIVAN COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL) — A local fire department and fireworks store want to remind people to enjoy the sights and sounds of fireworks safely as the Fourth of July draws near.

Sparky’s Fireworks feels the boom in business before Independence Day.

“Oh, we get swamped,” said owner Debbie Peters. “It’s crazy busy.”

Peters says new customers moving to the area from out-of-state are bringing their traditions of putting on their own firework shows.

Among products are signs reminding customers to enjoy safely. New in stock are pre-loaded RDX canisters with ready-to-shoot shells. Peters said the product is safer.

“[RDX canisters] are pre-drilled, so that you can secure them,” Peters said. “And one shot and trash it. But, always remember to douse them with water. Don’t throw anything away until it’s wet and cool.”

As the holiday draws near, the Kingsport Fire Department (KFD) wants people to celebrate safely.

“July 4th is the busiest day around the nation for outdoor fires and the reason is because of fireworks,” said public information officer Barry Brickey.

Brickey said eight people nationwide died from fireworks last year and that the majority of injuries come from teenage boys ages 15 to 19 years old and small children.

“Because the children may not know that there’s danger there,” Brickey said. “They must’ve just been enjoying seeing the fireworks and you have to really watch them if you are using them.”

A child favorite firework that often seems harmless, sparklers, can get so hot that it can melt some metals, said Brickey.

“Make sure you do take some precautions because even a Sparkler, that a child may hold, can be between 1,200 and 2,000 degrees and can quickly give them burns or can catch their clothing on fire,” Brickey said.

He also said to not pick up fireworks that don’t go off correctly. Instead, soak the firework in water.

Fireworks are illegal inside the City of Kingsport. However, fireworks are legal in Sullivan County. They can be detonated from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., with the exception of holidays. On the eves and days of Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Veteran’s Day, and New Year’s fireworks can be detonated from 2 p.m. to midnight.

The fire department recommends people choose to go to professional shows instead.

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