Safety is key to enjoying Fourth, officials say

Whipper snappers.

Sparklers.

Smoke balls.

Party poppers.

The satisfying crack and shimmer of exploding fireworks is a Fourth of July tradition that transcends generations.

As area fireworks vendors open for business this week, local fire officials want consumers to remember that safety is key to enjoying the tradition.

And fire experts estimate that 20 percent more people will celebrate with fireworks at home this year, compared with last year, as the economy forces families and cities nationwide to re-examine their Independence Day festivities to save money, said Las Vegas Fire Department spokesman Tim Szymanski.

"Don't go anywhere there is vegetation or trees, where people like to go out in the desert. Next thing you know we've got a brush fire," Szymanski said.

"Stay away from vehicles and from buildings. Most problems come from illegal fireworks, the ones that shoot up in the air. There's no control. You light it, it takes off, and you don't know where it will land," he said.

In 1998, two cars, five houses, a pair of legs and numerous trash bins in Las Vegas fell victim to fireworks.

In that noteworthy season a dozen years ago, fireworks dumped in a trash bin in a garage set a car and a garage on fire.

The roof of a house and palm trees caught on fire in a separate incident.

Two other cars were intentionally set on fire when someone threw fireworks into their partially opened windows, and a man who tried to relight a "dud" firework by pouring gasoline on it suffered second-degree burns on his legs.

Szymanski said people should keep a garden hose handy when setting off fireworks and soak the used fireworks in a bucket of water for at least an hour before disposing of them.

About 300 fireworks stands are set up throughout the valley. Vendors with legal fireworks operate with a permit, they went to special classes, know safety procedures and are monitored by fire officials, Szymanski said.

Stay away from explosives such as the illegal Roman candles, bottle rockets and M-80s. Setting off illegal fireworks can result in a jail term of up to six months and a $1,000 fine in the city of Las Vegas.

Local ordinances state that fireworks are illegal if they are purchased from an Indian reservation in the state, a vendor in Pahrump or an out-of-state retailer.

Fireworks also cannot be set off on streets, sidewalks, school district property or any federal, state or city property such as parks and recreational areas.

Legal fireworks can be set off on a flat, dry surface like a driveway, Szymanski said.

After July 4, it is illegal to possess fireworks, and fire officials say people should contact the local fire department to get rid of them.

Legal fireworks branded with the "Safe-N-Sane" emblem mean that once ignited, they don't explode or leave the ground.

"Safe-N-Sane fireworks are not toys," Szymanski said. "They are fireworks that can destroy and hurt people. They can catch clothing on fire and cause burns bad enough to be taken to the burn unit.

"Fireworks have fire in them, and anyone can be hurt by fire," he said, especially children, who "should not be allowed to light fireworks."

"We're messing kids up when we tell them not to touch matches or lighters, then on the Fourth we say they can," Szymanski said. "Fireworks were made for adults."

Discharging or possessing fireworks is prohibited in county parks without written approval from Clark County parks and recreation.

Also, fireworks are forbidden in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, which is expecting 150,000 to 200,000 visitors over the three-day weekend.

For those who don't want to take the risk at all, fireworks displays will be hosted on the Strip by Mandalay Bay and Caesars Palace and off the Strip at the Las Vegas Hilton and Station Casinos.

Contact reporter Kristi Jourdan at kjourdan@ reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0279.