Setting off fireworks? Fire chief shares reminders to help reduce accidents

JACKSON, Tenn. — This year marks the first year residents in the Hub City can legally set off fireworks.

While fireworks can be beautiful for the holiday season, it is also one of the highest call periods for the Jackson Fire Department.

Here are some tips to enjoy the fireworks and help reduce the call volume.

“When people are shooting fireworks, make sure that they have a bucket of water there handy. If one misfires, don’t try to relight it. Just take that loss and dip it in the bucket of water. That will prevent it from reigniting,” said Jackson Fire Department Chief Don Friddle.

Make sure that you’re following the instructions on the container of the fireworks. This will ensure you are the appropriately lighting them.

“Whenever they’re not in their designed container or they’re not being shot the way they’re supposed to be, that’s where it really increases the risks of fires and injuries,” said Friddle.

Since fireworks are now allowed in Jackson city limits, make sure to be careful where you’re lighting them.

“If you are going to be shooting any aerial devices, make sure that you’re a good distance away from any structures and any other type of debris that can potentially burn,” said Friddle.

Be cautious of dry grass, leaves, woods, garages, and cars that you light any fireworks near. Also, check your surroundings for children and pets.

“I would discourage the use of aerial devices , the ones that go really high up in the air because there’s a lot that could potentially go wrong. Especially folks [that] are living in tight corners and there’s a lot of housing they’re building around,” said Friddle.

For younger participants, remember that while sparklers may seem kid-friendly, they can actually pose a real danger to children. Sparklers can reach almost two thousand degrees.

So, instead, it’s best to find a replacement.

“[They] Need to be used cautiously and with responsibility. The one thing that we always tell folks is that it is never acceptable for young children to handle or to have fireworks,” said Friddle.

Some alternatives to the sparklers may be the ‘pop-its’ noisemakers. For these, you simply throw them on the ground to create a small flash and loud popping noise.

If you still want to see fireworks, but aren’t looking to light any yourself, check out our Independence Day events list for a list of celebrations happening across West Tennessee.

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