Office of the State Fire Marshal
State Fire Marshal Charles M. Duffy
Captain Jason Berry
Government and Media Relations
(360) 596-4010 – office
(360) 596-4015 – fax
http://www.wsp.wa.gov
*** For Immediate Release***
Date:
June 20, 2010
Contact:
Deputy State Fire Marshal Karen Jones
Phone:
(360) 596-3916
E-mail:
karen.jones@wsp.wa.gov
Media Event
Reducing Fireworks-Related Injuries and Fires
What: A press conference highlighting:
- Safety when using consumer fireworks with a demonstration of safe practices by lighting some large fountains.
- Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) with a demonstration using a mannequin showing the damage IEDs can cause.
Who:
- State Fire Marshal Charles M. Duffy, Office of the State Fire Marshal
- Deputy State Fire Marshal Karen Jones, Office of the State Fire Marshal
- Mr. Jerry Farley, Fireworks Industry
- Compliance Investigator Marcus Morris, Consumer Product Safety Commission
- Special Agent Phillip Whitley, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
When: June 24, 2010, 10:00 a.m.
Where:
City of Kent, Police/Fire Training Center
24523 116th Ave SE
Kent, WA 98030
Why: Retail fireworks stands open across the state on June 28th. From 2005 through 2009 there were 4,937 fireworks-related emergency incidents reported to the State Fire Marshal’s Office. In 2009, 32% of the injuries reported were to children 14 and under. Fireworks-related emergency responses can be reduced if fireworks are stored in a secured location out of sight and reach of children.
We would like to remind everyone of the three B’s of fireworks safety:
- Be Prepared—Have water nearby and put pets indoors,
- Be Safe—Only adults should light fireworks, and
- Be Responsible—clean up fireworks debris.
Don’t take any chances, be sure the fireworks you purchase are legal to possess and discharge. Know the dates and times fireworks are allowed in your community. Stay away from high powered illegal explosive devices. Do not alter fireworks or make any type of homemade device. The damage they cause can be devastating and life altering. For more information visit our website at http://www.wsp.wa.gov/fire/fireworks.htm.
The Office of the State Fire Marshal is a Bureau of the Washington State Patrol, providing fire and life safety services to the citizens of Washington State including inspections of state licensed facilities, plan review of school construction projects, licensing of fire sprinkler contractors and pyrotechnic operators, training Washington State’s firefighters, and collecting emergency response data.
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