To have a blast, think safety

By Miranda Baines

Published: July 3, 2008

Local fire marshals are urging Rockingham County residents to practice fireworks safety on the Fourth of July.

Reidsville Fire Marshal Jay Harris recommends a “common-sense approach” to fireworks.

“Make sure you’re a safe distance away from other people and from other combustible materials,” Harris said. “We’re really requesting people use a lot of care and precaution because of the dry conditions.”

Rockingham County Fire Marshal Robert Cardwell reiterated Harris’ concern about the arid conditions.

“The grass is dead. It’s dry,” Cardwell said. “Grass could easily ignite from fireworks in this type of year.”

He cautions people to avoid igniting fireworks near areas with pine needles and mulch, where a fire could spread rapidly. Cardwell said the best place to ignite fireworks is in a driveway or gravel area.

Harris urges people using fireworks to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use. He said many people neglect the instructions and carelessly light the fireworks, which poses a safety hazard.

“Use fireworks with adult supervision. Don’t let young children play with fireworks,” Cardwell said.

Harris offered several more common-sense fireworks safety tips:

“Keep a water source close by.”

“Don’t relight a device. Immerse it in water and dispose of it.”

“Things that travel may travel beyond your property. If something lands on someone else’s property, you’re liable for the damage.”

Above all, Harris recommends people check with their local jurisdiction to see what’s legal in terms of fireworks sale, use and possession.

N.C. General Statute 14-414 defines the rules governing pyrotechnics (fireworks and explosives) in the state of North Carolina. According to the statute, some of the devices that are permitted are “trick noisemakers,” “snake and glow worms,” “wire sparklers” and “other sparkling devices which emit showers of sparks and sometimes a whistling or crackling effect while burning.” Devices that detonate or propel themselves through the air are not permitted.

Harris and Cardwell both recommend attending an organized, professional fireworks display on the Fourth of July.

“They are being handled by licensed professionals who have taken pyrotechnic training,” Cardwell said.

Not only is going to a professional fireworks show safer, but it’s also more extravagant than igniting a few sparklers in your backyard, he added.

“If you must create your own mini fireworks show, be responsible,” Cardwell said.

Staff writer Miranda Baines can be reached at or 349-4331, ext. 35.