Fire Marshal on Fireworks: 'Just Be Careful'

Every July 4, the Summerville Fire Department can expect between two and 10 calls on fireworks-related incidents, according to Fire Marshal Ben Bunting. 

Most of Summerville's incidents are structure-fire related, where a mortar firework has failed to reach the required height for explosion and sets a nearby house on fire. Other incidents include fireworks injuries on unsupervised children, Bunting said. 

"No child under the age of 16 should shoot fireworks without adult supervision," Bunting said, adding that even sparklers — long favored for little ones — can pose danger of second and third degree burns. "All injuries to children with fireworks is when they are not supervised."

But in Summerville, fires set by unexploded mortars top the problem list. The new fireworks ordinance prohibits the shooting of fireworks at structures to help curb the problem. The responsibility of a fire set by fireworks now rests with the firework operator, Bunting said.

"You have created a community risk by doing this," Bunting said. 

Bunting had simple advice for enjoying this year's Fourth of July with an at-home celerbation: "Just be careful."