Extreme Fire Danger And Fireworks
From Press Release:
The Battlefield Fire District has received several inquiries from citizens and the media regarding the use of consumer fireworks and open burning. Battlefield Fire District, much like other fire districts, cannot impose a ban on the discharge of consumer fireworks. The District has stopped issuing open burning permits for the foreseeable future until there is receipt of widespread rainfall. The use of open flames and burning in dangerous and extremely dry conditions could lead to rapid fire development and destruction of property, land and even loss of life. Conditions such as those present in the Ozarks can lead to rapid fire development similar to the wildfires in Colorado and the Western United States.
We are strong advocates of letting the professionals shoot the fireworks. Attend a community fireworks display and do not shoot fireworks due to the extremely dry conditions and the dangers consumer fireworks pose. Countless injuries and emergency room visits can be attributed to consumer fireworks. It’s just not worth it, especially this year. Know the laws pertaining to consumer fireworks and when they can be discharged. Contact your local fire district, city or county government to obtain information.
Please do not put your neighbors and responders such as firefighters and police officers in harm’s way because of the use of consumer fireworks or open burning. The extreme heat wears responders down quickly and the fire growth is rapid and extreme making it difficult for crews to contain.
Protect your home and property by cleaning out gutters, removing debris from roofs, clearing combustible materials from around the structure, and establishing a safe distance area between the structure and wooded areas. Have an escape plan for your family and make sure you’ve installed working smoke alarms on every level of your home. Discourage the use of consumer fireworks in these dry and dangerous conditions because the threat for a large and devastating fire is very real.
Fire chiefs from around the area will be assembled for a press briefing at 1:30 PM at the Battlefield Fire District Headquarters, Monday, July 2, 2012. Headquarters is located at 4117 W. 2nd Street in Battlefield. The briefing will include the recommended safety practices for protection of property along with a demonstration of the dangers consumer fireworks, if used. Demonstrations of the dangers of consumer fireworks combined with the dry conditions will be displayed.
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