Safety First During July 4 Celebration

Detroit, MI - --"The July 4th celebration with fireworks can and should be a safe and happy holiday if citizens observe a few simple precautions," stresses Michigan's chief investigator of explosives crimes. Gregory L. Holley, Special Agent in Charge for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) in Michigan is calling on citizens to practice fireworks safety, ensuring that the July 4 holiday is a celebration, not a tragedy.

"Buy fireworks from vendors who operate openly and welcome visits by fire departments and police," Holley recommends. "Don't buy from people who approach you on the street. Too often they sell deadly, illegal explosive devices that may explode prematurely in your hand or pocket." ATF recommends that you first recognize that all fireworks present a risk to people and property.

ATF investigates crimes committed with explosives; including the sale of illegal explosive devices with street names like "M80" and "quarter stick". The devices resemble firecrackers but are unstable bombs. Typically, they are cardboard tubes fitted with fuses and packed with explosive materials. Tubes are one to six inches long and a half-inch to an inch or more in diameter. Common colors are red, silver and brown. Prices range from less than $1 each to whatever the traffic will bear. These devices meet no safety standards. Heat, shock or pressure can trigger an accidental detonation. All of the illegal devices -- from the smallest "M80" to the largest "quarter stick" -- have maimed and killed young children and adults. The public is urged to help expose traffickers of these illegal devices by calling the ATF hotline at 1-888-ATF-BOMB.

The illegal devices should not be confused with common fireworks - legal in some states. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulates common fireworks. These fireworks contain a trace of pyrotechnic material, are labeled, identify the producer, and come with safety precautions.

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. These 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.

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.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulates consumer fireworks, also known as Class C, or "common," fireworks, which are legal in some states. The CPSC reported that more than 11,000 persons were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries attributed to fireworks during the year 2000. Far too often, the injuries involve children. In the United States, about 44 percent of all fireworks-related injuries are suffered by children ages 5 to 9.

Sadly, for last year, these injury figures are estimated to be even higher -- and those injuries typically resulted from using regulated fireworks. The potential for harm with illegal, unregulated fireworks rises exponentially, because they are more powerful, and because they meet neither safety nor quality standards. Heat, shock or pressure can trigger accidental detonation. SAC Holley stresses that ATF regards "counterfeit fireworks" as totally unpredictable. "They can seem innocent, then go off in your face," he warns.

The Michigan Penal Code (Fireworks Law - Act 328, P.A. 1931, As Amended) states that it is illegal to sell, possess, transport, or use fireworks in Michigan without a permit. Exceptions to the code are devices that can be legally used by consumers within the State of Michigan include flat paper caps, toy trick noisemakers, flitter sparklers, fountains, and toy snakes. Devices that make a loud bang, or leave the ground, spin or twirl are prohibited under state law.

"The American flag, parades, and fireworks are all part of our tradition and celebration of independence during the July 4th holiday", states Holley. He encourages Michigan residents to enjoy the holiday and the tradition of fireworks activities by letting the professionals put on the displays. "Many local communities are having fireworks displays. Rather than risk the chance of an accident and serious injury to family and friends, just sit back and enjoy the show."

Attached:

Illegal Explosive Devices
Fireworks Safety Tips