Experts urge firework safety, compliance with laws as July 4 approaches

MEDINA, Tenn. — Know the rules before shooting off fireworks this Fourth of July. They are banned in parts of West Tennessee, and firefighters said they could be dangerous.

Paige Richardson works at a stand selling fireworks in Medina. “People will buy anything that they can light on fire and it explode,” she said. “People just love to blow things up.”

Firefighters said it is illegal to sell and shoot fireworks in both Jackson and Madison County. Madison County Fire Chief Eric Turner said it is also dangerous. “Our call load obviously goes up due to injuries and fires around the fourth,” he said.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2013 fireworks caused more than 15,000 reported fires in the United States, about 30 civilian injuries and an estimated $21 million in direct property damage.

Turner says to have water handy, to never leave small children alone with fireworks, and to be in a safe area. “A good buffer zone away from structure, vehicles and anything that’s combustible,” Turner said.

Richardson encourages customers to use fireworks responsibly. “We hand out a pamphlet that the fire marshal gives us to give out,” she said.

Get caught shooting off fireworks in an area where they are banned, and Turner said you could have to pay a fine.

If you are looking for a great place to see fireworks, head out to the Firefighters Freedom Festival on Monday, July 4, at McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport. The gates open at 3 p.m. Fireworks start around 9 p.m.