Tag Archives: 4th of July

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Fireworks Gone Wrong

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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.

Not-So-Fun Fireworks Facts

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Every 4th of July, Americans gather around dangerous explosives to celebrate the country’s independence. And every year, these explosives injure thousands of patriotic partiers.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety estimates that there were 9,600 fireworks-related injuries in 2004. The Consumer Product Safety Commission states that there were 11 deaths related to fireworks in 2007.

Along with being harmful to humans, fireworks can spark major fires, costing millions of dollars nationwide each year. In 2007, for example, out of control fireworks caused a massive wildfire in Saugatuck, Michigan that destroyed three homes and damaged a fourth. The cost: $2 million. Also in 2007, a mother of three was killed by illegal, commercial grade fireworks during a show that was not manned by professionals as it should have been.

Fireworks: sometimes the risk far outweighs the reward.

But seriously, have a great (and safe) 4th of July.

UPDATE: The Times is reporting 32 deaths this year.

“We’re doing something that is measurable,” said John P. Hassett, chemistry professor at the State University College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse. “It’s hard to say how bad it is.”

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