WORKING JOINTLY TO HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY

WASHINGTON - Independence Day is fast approaching and Americans are gearing-up for the festive holiday. To ensure public safety, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) would like to remind everyone that illegal and improper use of fireworks can cause severe injuries, and even death.

During the past year, ATF and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) working diligently with the explosives industry and the general public have seen a decrease in the number of fireworks-related injuries. The CPSC, who is the agency that regulates consumer fireworks, also known as Class C, or "common" fireworks, reported that 8,800 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries attributed to fireworks during 2002. This year we would like to see that number go even lower and we need your help to achieve this goal.

ATF particularly wants consumers to know the dangers of illegal fireworks - fireworks that are banned federally in every state regardless of varying state safety statutes. Illegal fireworks include cherry bombs, M-80s, M-1000s, silver salutes and larger firecrackers containing more than two grains of powder. Mail-order kits designed to build these fireworks are also banned. These are illegal explosive devices - not fireworks - and may explode without warning, causing injury or death.

The sale of these products to American consumers is prohibited under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. These kinds of explosive devices that are represented as "fireworks" are, in fact, small bombs. The manufacturing of these illegal fireworks can result in federal felony and misdemeanor charges, as well as time in federal prison.

Because of the tragedy of Sept.11, 2001, and subsequent events, the public is reminded to be vigilant in observing their surroundings no matter where they celebrate. If you see suspicious activity involving illegal fireworks or explosives, please notify ATF at: 1-800-ATF-BOMB. Said Acting ATF Director Brad Buckles, "Enjoy the Fourth of July holiday, but please be aware of your surroundings and remember that using illegal fireworks or other explosives can be harmful to you or your family and friends."

 

Attachments:

###