Every 4th of July, average, law-abiding citizens turn into amateur pyromaniacs (myself included). And each Independence Day the emergency rooms are full of those people (and onlookers) who have been injured by these beautiful displays of chemicals mixing with fire to create the glorious sky art we so enjoy. Here are a couple of geniuses setting off fireworks in a driveway, with one participant sustaining burns (the first firework launch is all that really needs to be viewed to understand the risks):
In response to the upcoming 4th of July fire hazard, the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association is issuing a warning to both firework fans and insurance companies:
Insurance agents should be aware that in 2008, fireworks caused an estimated 22,500 reported fires, including 1,400 total structure fires, 500 vehicle fires, and 20,600 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated one civilian death, 40 civilian injuries and $42 million in direct property damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
But let us not forget the mother of all fireworks disasters — the Enshede fireworks factory explosion in May 2000. The fire, and following massive explosion, killed 23 people and injured 947 in and around the Netherlands factory.
As evidenced here, fireworks are both beautiful and deadly. Be safe this 4th of July weekend.