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Fireworks: Safety and legality first FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION Staff Writer With Fourth of July celebrations a day away, area fire officials are asking Brainerd area residents to use fireworks legally and safely.
After being banned for more than 60 years, certain types of fireworks were made legal in Minnesota in 2002 - fountains, illuminating torches, pyrotechnic wheels, ground spinners, sparklers, flashes and strobes.
Certain fireworks, any that explode or launch into the sky, remain illegal. Examples are firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, mortar shells and other rockets.
Brainerd Fire Chief Fred Underhill said law enforcement officials and firefighters know people will continue to use both legal and illegal fireworks, but he's hoping education will keep people safe when using fireworks.
"We've actually been very lucky and I think that's from being proactive and educating people," Underhill said. "We've had a few close calls but nothing has got out of hand. But it doesn't take much sometimes to get dangerous."
When using fireworks, the state fire marshal's office recommends:
¥ Following instructions on each device.
¥ Only using fireworks with adult supervision.
¥ Using fireworks in a safe place, away from anything that could catch fire or be damaged.
¥ Not discharging fireworks under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
¥ Keep fireworks away from children and store them in a dry, cool location.
¥ Do not carry fireworks in your pocket or on your person.
¥ Keep cigarettes, cigars, pipes and open flames away from fireworks.
¥ Do not ignite fireworks inside a container.
¥ Use eye protection when using fireworks.
¥ Do not throw fireworks at people, animals or buildings.
¥ Once a firework is lit, move away from it.
¥ If a firework ignites but fails to go off, stay clear of it for a while to avoid injury, then soak it in water.
¥ Never place any part of your body, especially your head, over a firework when lighting it.
¥ Never relight malfunctioning fireworks.
¥ Never experiment with fireworks, make your own fireworks or alter fireworks.
Brainerd Fire Inspector Keith Bachman said another concern is people shooting fireworks during Brainerd's Fourth of July parade and fireworks show. With so many people in close proximity with each other, there's a chance for injuries is people are shooting off fireworks, he said.
"It's doesn't take much, especially with some of the fabrics people have on. A little spark on there and they'll be on fire," Bachman said. "It's a safety concern."
Mark Mortsensen, forester with the DNR's Brainerd office, also said people should be aware of the fire danger when shooting off fireworks. Though the fire danger is low in Crow Wing County, it wouldn't take much to start a wildfire.
"We've had a lot of moisture and looks pretty nice and green, but have a day with low humidity and it wouldn't take much," Mortensen said.
The wildfire in Barrows in 2002 that burned 720 acres was started by fireworks.
"And we don't need a repeat of that again," Underhill said.
MATT ERICKSON may be reached at matt.erickson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5857.
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