Local grass fire started by fireworks; officials prepping for fireworks emergencies
TRENTON, Tenn.—A grass fire in Trenton was started by fireworks gone bad according to local firefighters, and with the dry weather we have been experiencing, fire officials are concerned about more fires starting during upcoming backyard celebrations.
The Trenton Fire Department responded a home in the 1000 block of Brookwood Drive around 2:45 p.m., Thursday after fireworks caught part of the backyard on fire.
“The fireworks were shot off actually one street over but they went a long distance,” Trenton Fire Department Assistant Chief Phillip Anglin said. “It was flaming up right next to an outbuilding, it was about to catch it on fire the guys on shift made a good knock down that stopped it from impeding in to the utility room.”
Trenton is one of the many communities in West Tennessee that allows fireworks, but those at the fire department said they want everyone to stay safe.
“They need to be shot off in a safe manner, with adult supervision only, at all times, not by juveniles and our youth, they need to have an adult present at all times,” Chief Anglin said.
If you are going to shoot off your own fireworks, officials recommend setting up in a green, grassy area or a flat piece of concrete, and to bring a flashlight as you reload so you can see what you are doing.
“You always want to have a water hose close by, or maybe even a garden tool, in case something does get out of control,” Krazy K’s Fireworks manager Juanita Clark said.
She also recommended setting up a piece of plywood or some bricks to create a flat surface to light the fireworks. She also said you should only set off one firework at a time to keep them from shooting in different directions or falling over while lit.
Chief Anglin said because of the dry weather their fire department will be fully staffed throughout the holiday, he said to not hesitate in calling 911 if things take a turn for the worse.
Possessing or shooting off fireworks is illegal in Jackson and Madison County.
If you are unsure about what is and is not allowed in your area, call your local police of sheriff’s department.
