Don’t blow it — use fireworks safely

Personal use of fireworks will be allowed in Wasilla city limits this New Year’s Eve.

This is a controversial issue with strong arguments on both sides of the topic. The publicity of this law change will hopefully raise awareness on fireworks safety. I was asked by several residents and community leaders to get involved on this issue and hope I am able to provide some education through this column.

The official position I took when I served as fire chief was that we encouraged enjoying fireworks only by attending approved fireworks shows conducted by trained professionals, which is consistent with the position of national fire service organizations. If this ordinance came during my tenure as chief, I would have taken the responsibility to provide the decision makers with factual information from the standpoint of a fire service professional.

Fireworks are dangerous explosives that burn at extremely high temperatures. Fireworks and sparklers are designed to explode or throw off showers of hot sparks; temperatures may exceed 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Each year, thousands of people are seriously injured by the use of personal fireworks, mostly by severe burns to the hands and face, including the eyes. I’ve seen these injuries and know how devastating and life-changing they can be. I’ve also seen destructive fires in this community that were started by the careless use of fireworks. Some of these fires also impacted neighboring homes and properties. As a fire service professional, I strongly oppose any personal use of fireworks.

When I was 6 years old living in Pennsylvania, my neighbor was lighting off large firecrackers on the sidewalk. My dog, a curious and very friendly Labrador retriever, went up to sniff one. My neighbor thought it was a dud, but it exploded violently. My dog, painfully lying on the sidewalk, became blind in one eye. It was a dramatic sight for a child; an experience I will never forget.

A Google search for “fireworks safety” will reveal numerous sites where you can learn about the risk, dangers and safe use of fireworks. This is important information everyone should know. Please take the time to learn about fireworks safety. The National Fire Protection Association provides valuable statistics based on researched facts at www.nfpa.org.

Wasilla City Council, by passing the ordinance, is trusting that residents who choose to use fireworks will be safe and responsible with them. Whether or not this ordinance had passed or if it had even been brought up for a vote, the fact is that fireworks have been, and will be, used on New Year’s Eve. I’ve lived in this community for more than 22 years, was involved in the fire department for more than 15 years and I know firsthand that personal fireworks are used all over the community on every New Year’s Eve.

Be safe this holiday season.

Jack Krill is a former Wasilla Fire Department chief and a fire protection and emergency services consultant.