With the Fourth of July just a little over a week away, the Cascade City-County Health Department (CCHD) is reminding everyone to stay safe while having fun during the holiday.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services (DPHHS), 33 people are treated in Montana hospitals with firework-related injuries around the Fourth of July holiday.
Mary Kay Burns, a public health nurse, said that the most commons firework injuries occur to your eyes, face and head as well as your hands and arms.
Because most of the injuries occur to teenagers and kids, they should always be supervised when using fireworks.
But sparklers are what people really need to watch out for.
Mary Kay said: “We give little kids sparklers to play with because they’re fun and they’re pretty. But, sparklers can burn at up to 3000 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to melt glass. It’s hot enough to set your clothes on fire and to cause really severe burns. The thing that I would emphasize is use your common sense. You’re playing with fire. You’re playing with explosives.”
Great Falls Fire Rescue Fire Marshall Dirk Johnson said that sparklers are one of the most dangerous fireworks out there and cause the most injuries in the United States.
Johnson added that there will be extra patrol out this year, so those planning to discharge fireworks within the city limits are reminded to follow the city’s Fireworks Ordinance and rules and regulations.
Selling and discharging of fireworks can only take place within Great Falls city limits on July 2, 3 and 4 from 8 a.m. until midnight.
Great Falls residents are only allowed to discharge fireworks on private property.
Stick rockets, bottle rockets and roman candles are not allowed in Montana.
Children 10 and younger that are partaking in firework activities must have a supervising adult within 10 feet of the child.
As always, remember to clean up fireworks debris.
Any person who violates the city’s rules and regulations may be guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to fines.
For more information on rules and regulations, as well as the fine structure, you can click here.
