Fireworks More Dangerous Due to Dryness

July 3, 2002 -- — Fireworks may be even more dangerous this Fourth of July because of the excessively dry conditions that have caused wildfires in several states.

All types of fireworks can be physically harmful to people if they are not used correctly, experts say. And this year, state and local government officials are urging people to abstain from setting off fireworks because of the dry conditions.

Many major fireworks displays nationwide have been canceled, and the governors of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, South Dakota and Utah issued executive orders banning fireworks on many state lands and urged local officials to do the same. Instead of fireworks displays, some communities plan elaborate laser light shows.

Though private use of fireworks is usually legal in New Mexico, this year anyone who violates the ban can be issued a fine of $1,000 or serve up to a year in jail.

"We're taking it very seriously this year because of the drought the state is experiencing. We don't want any more fires," said Diane Kinderwater, communications director of the New Mexico governor's office.

No Safe Fireworks?

But for those states that are allowing private use of fireworks, safety precautions can be taken to avoid any unnecessary accidents.

According to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission statistics, 5- to 14-year-olds account for the biggest percentage of fireworks-related injuries each year. In 1999, that age group accounted for 2,100 of the total 5,700 fireworks-related injuries over the summer of 1999. And 15- to 24-year-olds come in second, with 1,800 injuries during the same time period.

Fireworks safety campaigns seem to be working. The number of injuries in 1998 decreased to 7,000 from 8,300 in 1997, according to the CPSC.

Over the past 10 years, 30 percent to 33 percent of the injuries associated with fireworks were caused by illegal explosives or homemade fireworks. According to the CPSC report, illegally made or obtained fireworks caused most of the accidents.

The most common injuries are burns, with the hands, forearm and wrist area being the most frequently injured body parts. Experts say burns should be cleaned with soap and water, and an antibiotic ointment and bandage should be applied quickly. If the area is charred or blistered, especially on the hands or face, victims should seek medical attention, doctors suggest.

Safety Tips

Here are some tips on the handling and use of fireworks from the National Council on Fireworks Safety, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Children's Hospital of Michigan, the University of Michigan, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and Rapp to ensure a safe holiday.

Read and follow all warnings and instructions.

Use common sense, and make sure there is a responsible adult. Responsible means someone who hasn’t been drinking alcohol.

Never buy or handle items with names like "M-80," "M-100," "ashcan," "quarter-stick" or "half-stick." These are not fireworks but explosive devices, and they may explode without warning, causing injury or death.

Don’t hold sparklers or run around with them.

Don’t put any type of fireworks or flammables near children. Sparklers can get as hot as 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Keep a container of water ready to douse used sparklers rather than just dropping them on the ground. Soak used fireworks in a bucket of water for at least 10 minutes after igniting.

Be sure other people (especially children) and pets are out of range before lighting fireworks.

Only light fireworks in a cool place, on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves and flammable materials. Never carry fireworks in your pocket.

Never relight fireworks that have not fully functioned, or light one that looks defective.

Wear safety goggles while handling pyrotechnics.

ABCNEWS.com's Francine Vida contributed to this report.