Fire Marshal: Soak your fireworks after they land

PORT CHARLOTTE — Fire Marshal Scott Morris is warning local residents to keep hoses and fire extinguishers ready for Fourth of July fireworks.

While recent rains have lowered the risk of brush fires from fireworks, Morris still recommended hosing down areas that have fireworks shows and soaking fallen rockets for hours after they land.

"That's a good idea," he said.

While calls for medical and fire service tend to spike around the Fourth of July, Morris said that the number of calls has been relatively stable throughout his 13 years as Charlotte County's fire marshal.

As part of his duties, Morris and his inspectors vet the various tents for fireworks sellers that go up ahead of holidays like Independence Day and New Years Eve and New Years Day — the three days of the year when the state of Florida explicitly allows fireworks sales and personal use for celebrations.

Sellers are required to apply to the county's Fire Prevention Division with their tent layout, including exits, with lightning and assurance that generators are back away from flammable material.

The county's Risk Management office also signs off on these permits.

There is an initial inspection when the permit is first sought, with possible follow-ups later in the selling period.

"We just like to pop in and make sure exits are still clear…. They’re all really good to work with in our county," Morris said.

Fire Prevention also approves larger public fireworks displays, though the person actually setting up professional shows is required to have a state license.

Even for private family shows, however, Morris still recommends having a trained professional for advanced fireworks.

"Always keep children away (from fireworks). Do not let children light them," he said.

When fireworks do start flying, Morris stressed that any resulting fires should be called in to 911 right away. Even if the fire is extinguished right away, it can be helpful for emergency responders to know where the risk areas are.

If fireworks cross property lines, Morris cautioned local residents to contact 911 and contain the fire as soon as possible.

Jason Smith, a representative for the Sarasota County Fire Marshal's office, noted in a safety video last week that an average 19,000 fires nationwide are caused by fireworks annually.

Smith urged local residents that the safest way to enjoy fireworks was at professional events.

"Let the professionals do it," he said in the video. "Sit back and enjoy it."

For any who do use fireworks themselves, Smith seconded Morris' recommendations for soaking used fireworks and keeping water on hand.

He also recommended using "longer barbecue-style lighters" as a safety measure to put distance between a firework and the person lighting it.

The season has so far been relatively quiet, according to Morris; even in his personal time, he said that he's noticed very little illicit fireworks outside the legal times.

"We ask that everybody be safe on the Fourth," he said.

WILDLIFE WATCH

Meanwhile, wildlife experts are warning beachgoers to avoid using fireworks on beaches over the holiday.

County staff noted that artificial light from fireworks can disorient sea turtle hatchlings, "leading to adult and hatchling injury and death."

Disturbing the nesting areas for sea turtles is a violation of Charlotte County ordinances, particularly during mating season.