Officials warn even legal pyrotechnics can put your eye out, or worse

BY MICHAEL BOOTH

GAZETTE-TIMES REPORTER

Fireworks season officially begins today, the first day that retailers legally can sell sparklers, little poppers, pinwheels and other such fireworks in Oregon. The Corvallis Fire Department is hoping — despite ample past experience to the contrary — that those sparks won’t cause injury, unnecessary fire or fines.

“We have fires and injuries every year (during fireworks season),” said Carla Pusateri, a spokeswoman for the Corvallis Fire Department. “Most of the problems seem to happen when kids are playing unsupervised with fireworks.”

Even the seemingly innocuous sparkler poses a danger, she said. “Sparklers can generate 1,200 to 1,800 degrees of heat.”

So far, 15 Corvallis fireworks outlets have purchased permits. Each must be inspected by the fire department before opening for business.

According to Oregon law, fireworks retailers face penalties of up to $250 for each offense of selling fireworks to someone younger than 16. Fines increase to $500 for selling illegal fireworks, or for selling them without a permit.

Buying and lighting up illegal fireworks can prove a costly way to celebrate the nation’s 232nd birthday as well.

The fine for getting caught with illegal fireworks can be more than $50. Illegally launching aerial fireworks, the kind most often seen in official fireworks displays, can blow up into a $500 fine.

“We’ve tried to encourage people not to use fireworks and just watch the July 4th display on the waterfront, but that doesn’t go over too well,” Pusateri said. “Instead, we offer some safety tips to stay safe.”

Fireworks safety tips:

• Use legal fireworks, available at licensed outlets

• Store fireworks out of children’s reach

• Always read and follow label directions

• Place pets indoors; they are easily frightened by fireworks

• Always have water handy (a garden hose or a bucket of water)

• An adult should always light fireworks

• Keep matches and lighters away from children

• Use outdoors only

• Light only one firework at a time and move away quickly

• Keep children and pets away from fireworks

• Always remember not to throw fireworks or hold them after lighting

• Soak used fireworks thoroughly in a bucket of water

• Dispose of used fireworks and debris properly

• Never re-light a dud. Wait 15 to 20 minutes, and then soak in a bucket of water.