SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – As the Fourth of July approaches, fireworks displays will soon dazzle the skies. However, Seminole County firefighters are bracing for a likely uptick in serious injuries and fires.
According to Lt. Dave Williams from Seminole County Fire, this is an all-too-common scenario that the crews anticipate during the holiday period.
“I’ve been on scenes where we’ve witnessed explosions occurring directly in people’s hands,” Williams recounted.
Firefighters in Seminole County report that the days surrounding Independence Day are some of their busiest, as they respond to accidents involving fireworks that can result in severe burns or even the loss of fingers and limbs.
“Each year, we encounter eye and facial injuries, and across the nation, thousands get hurt on the Fourth of July due to the improper handling of fireworks,” Williams noted.
Williams also warned that even sparklers — which many people consider safe — can be dangerous.
“Those sparklers that people say are the perfect firework for a kid… unfortunately, they burn at over 2,000 degrees. So you’re talking about an instant burn. Even the ones that appear safe are dangerous,” Williams said.
Williams says crews are equipped with special burn sheets to treat victims on scene before they’re taken to the hospital.
“We’re always ready for it. It’s something we train our paramedics and EMTs for,” Williams said.
To help prevent fires, firefighters recommend soaking used fireworks in a bucket of water for 24 hours before throwing them away.
“Before you light the first firework, make sure you have a water source ready. Set them off away from the house. That seems to be a recurring theme every year. We always get one, two, or three fires,” Williams said.
Seminole County firefighters say fireworks can also spark a jump in house fires and dumpster fires — sometimes as many as five in a single holiday.
“I think the most important thing to remember is fireworks last for a second… but those injuries can last a lifetime,” Williams said.
Firefighters recommend wearing eye protection, never letting children handle fireworks, and keeping fireworks away from homes and trees. They also encourage families to skip at-home fireworks altogether and attend professional shows instead.