Fire Chief Urges Caution During Fourth of July

If you're planning on creating a beautiful spectacle in your neighborhood on the Fourth of July, you might want to think again. 

Oakdale Fire Chief Jeff Anderson offers a simple rule of thumb for residents interested in launching fireworks on Wednesday.

"If it launches in the air or goes off after it explodes then those are illegal," Anderson said.

Those include bottle rockets, Roman candles and firecrackers. 

Still, there are plenty of legal fireworks available to residents, including sparklers, snappers, toy smoke devices, snakes and glow worms. 

Though there are plenty of legal fireworks to entertain during Fourth of July festivities, statistics show that 80 percent of fireworks injuries occur with legal fireworks, Anderson said.

Sparklers burn at 1200 degrees fahrenheight. By comparison, glass melts at 900 degrees, Anderson said.

"I think a lot of people think that if it's legal then it's safe," Anderson said. "I see children spinning sparklers and I cringe at times, but they are legal."

Between structure fires and vegetation fires, Independence Day is one of the busiest days for fire departments across the nation. A couple of years ago the responded to more than 18 calls on the Fourth, Anderson said.  

"For people worried about safety I suggest they leave the fireworks to the professionals and come to the on the Fourth of July," Anderson said.