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 28, 2010
Contact: Deputy State Fire Marshal Karen Jones
Phone: (360) 596-3916
E-mail: karen.jones@wsp.wa.gov

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Fireworks Incident Data for 2009
Illegal Explosive Devices Cause Loss and Injury

There were 1,236 fireworks-related injuries and fires reported to the State Fire Marshal’s Office in 2009 by fire departments and hospitals.  Of the 1,236 reports received, there were 1,036 fires and 200 injuries.  The majority of these incidents occur on July 4th.  Most incidents were caused by males age 8-14.  The incidents of greatest concern are:

• 89 residential fires totaling $5,333,425 in loss, 15 were caused by illegal devices, 9 were caused by legal devices and 65 were caused by an unknown type of firework device.

• 40 school fires that totaled more than $8 million in losses were reported over a four year period, from 2006 through 2009. 

• 105 fires and 91 injuries were caused by devices which are illegal to own or possess in Washington State. 

• 9 sparkler bomb incidents that included 6 fires/explosions and 3 injuries to faces and hands.  These devices are considered improvised explosive devices.  Injuries from one of these devices include, metal puncture wounds with burning from the hot metal, burns and tearing to the hands and trauma to the face, chest and legs.

Parents Need to Know:  Supervision of kids 14 and under is critical in reducing emergency responses to fireworks incidents.  Talk to your kids about fireworks and safety.  Set family boundaries, only adults should light fireworks.  Store fireworks in a secure location out of the reach and sight of curious children.  Personal fireworks require personal responsibility.

Remember 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.

For more information about fireworks safety, public fireworks displays and the fireworks laws for your area, check the Celebrate Safely 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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