ATF PROMOTES A SAFE 4TH OF JULY
WARNS AGAINST DANGEROUS AND ILLEGAL EXPLOSIVES

WASHINGTON – As 4th of July celebrations approach, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reminds the public of the dangers of illegal fireworks. “Playing with illegal fireworks is literally like playing with dynamite. The end result can be severe injuries or even death,” said ATF Director Carl J. Truscott.

ATF is the federal law enforcement agency charged with enforcing federal explosives laws. ATF actively works with other federal agencies such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) through its fireworks enforcement program to prevent trafficking of illegal fireworks.

“The best way parents can keep their children safe this 4th of July is to never allow young children to ignite or handle fireworks of any kind,” CPSC Chairman Hal Stratton said. Stratton added that through undercover buys, online purchases, inspections and investigations, CPSC and ATF are tracking down and closing illegal roadside stands, warehouses and retail stores that sell professional grade explosives to consumers, and homes that serve as havens for the manufacture of dangerous fireworks devices.

Federally banned fireworks include M-80s, M-1000s, Silver Salutes and Cherry Bombs. Mail-order kits designed to build these fireworks also are banned. The manufacture and possession of these illegal explosives devices can result in federal felony and misdemeanor charges.

“While enjoying the 4th of July, we encourage you to help make it safe for everyone by reporting the use or sale of illegal fireworks,” Truscott said.

The public is urged to report manufacturers and traffickers of illegal fireworks by calling the toll free ATF hotline at 1-888-ATF-BOMB.

Attachments:

• Illegal Explosives Devices
• Safety Precautions for Legal Fireworks
  

###