Fireworks season a time for safety, responsibility

WASILLA — Now that the Christmas decorations have been put away and the tree recycled in some fashion, thoughts for many Valley residents are turning to fireworks.

And while most folks know the drill, the message of safety bears repeating, according to borough and fire officials, who urge residents to be safe and responsible with their pyrotechnics during Thursday’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.

For those who wish to leave the displays to the professionals, the annual Wasilla display is planned for 8 p.m. Thursday at Wonderland Park. Sponsored by the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce, event planners and city officials were keeping a eye on the weather Wednesday as the latest storm front to hit the area brought high winds, rain and widespread power outages. Thursday’s National Weather Service forecast calls for cloudy skies, a slight chance of snow and evening winds from 10 to 25 miles per hour.

Business was brisk at Gorilla Fireworks and other stands on the Parks Highway in Houston Wednesday as last-minute fireworks shoppers stocked up. The stands were closed for Fourth of July sales during a period of extreme fire danger in the wake of the Willow Sockeye Fire.

“Sales have been good, we had a great weekend and are gearing up for the crowds today and tomorrow,” Gorilla Fireworks manager Sam Parsons said Wednesday. “We’re able to cater to folks regardless if they know exactly what they want or need a little help.”

Parsons said the “show in a box” is always a top seller, but this year sky lanterns are popular purchases.

“If you have seen the movie ‘Tangled,’ you’ll get the picture,” Parsons said.

And while the lanterns are a big hit with the kids, Parsons added that adults should be the ones running the show.

“There should always be a sober, responsible adult in supervision,” Parsons said. “Also, be aware that these aren’t toys. Just be safe.”

Along with personal safety, courtesy for military combat veterans who may be affected by fireworks is being urged by veterans’ groups, which say being mindful of any neighbors who may be adversely affected by the displays is helpful.

Safety for pets also is an issue with New Year’s Eve celebrations. Veterinarians recommend keeping pets — especially dogs — inside if possible and to make sure they have some kind of identification if they get loose. Taking dogs for a long walk or getting them some other form of extended exercise prior to the evening is recommended, as is getting getting their bathroom breaks out of the way before the fireworks start.

Fireworks rules

• With the exception of the city of Houston, fireworks are illegal in the Mat-Su Borough, except on New Year’s Eve, when they are permitted borough-wide between 6 p.m. and 1 a.m. Fireworks use inside the Palmer city limits doesn’t begin until 9 p.m.

• Usage should be on private property with permission from the landowner. An adult 21 years of age or older has to be supervising.

• Fireworks are banned — 250 feet in Palmer and Wasilla and 1,250 feet in the unincorporated areas — near health care facilities, assisted living homes, libraries, schools or churches. The city of Wasilla also bans fireworks within 50 feet of waterways or water bodies in the city limits.

• Fireworks should be kept 500 feet from a gas station or other place where flammable gases or liquids are stored

• They cannot be discharged inside, or aimed outside from the interior of a structure or vehicle

• Fireworks are banned in the borough if the state’s Division of Forestry has declared fire danger to be at a level of “high” or above.

• Penalties for violations can carry up to a $500 fine.

Contact reporter Steven Merritt at 352-2269 or steven.merritt@frontiersman.com