St. Albans Fire Department gives firework safety tips amid Fourth of July celebrations

SAINT ALBANS, WV (WOWK) – It’s that time of year where family and friends gather together to enjoy fireworks displays, but fireworks also pose potential safety issues if they are not used properly.

On Monday, the St. Albans Fire Department gave a demonstration to show people how to be safe with fireworks.

Lieutenant/Fire Marshal Chris Collins lit off a variety of fireworks and showed just how quickly things could go wrong. When fireworks are not properly lit, they can burn down entire pieces of furniture and cause injury to those who light them.

“The few things people can do to avoid injuries all together…number one we always encourage people to view public fireworks displays because there is no safe consumer firework,” said Collins.

Collins also said that around the Fourth of July, they see an increase in calls relating to injuries and damaged property, all resulting from improper use of consumer fireworks.

Collins said that if you use consumer fireworks, never mix fireworks and alcoholic beverages. This is a major cause of injuries and property damage. He also said that people should follow the instructions as written and keep the fireworks away from their face.

“Bottle rockets should never be held in your hand, anything that’s projectile should be on a hard, flat level surface, and secured. It should never be on an uneven surface or prone to tip over because if that tips over that projectile is going to go horizontally instead of vertically,” Collins said.

Collins suggests that people leave fireworks shows to the professionals. If you must shoot off fireworks yourself, he said do it away from others and in a clear area.

To throw away fireworks, they must be submerged in water, so keep a bucket of water or hose handy if you want to take matters into your own hands.

Overall, the Fire Department wants people to have not just a fun holiday, but a safe one.

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