Published: June 25, 2009 07:20 pm      

MVFD offering fireworks safety courses

By TESA CULLI

tesa.culli@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — Residents will have two more opportunities before the July Fourth holiday to take consumer fireworks training classes.

This is the fourth year the Mt. Vernon Fire Department is holding the classes, which are required by state law for city residents to buy, possess or display fireworks that are legal in Illinois.

“People who come to the classes don’t realize that by taking the class they still can’t shoot fireworks off unless they are in a city, township or village that has passed an ordinance that accepts the new state law that was passed in 2006 that allows them to do that,” said MVFD Lt. Donny Hayes, one of the teachers of the class. “Mt. Vernon has passed the ordinance. Most people think they take the class and ‘now I can set fireworks off.’ They can buy, transport and store them at home, but after that, the ordinance has to be adopted or they can’t do it legally.”

A class has been scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday and on July 1 at the fire station on 42nd Street. The class size is limited to 18 people, and those who want to attend should call and reserve their seat, Hayes said. The class includes information on laws pertaining to fireworks, a review of city statutes regarding fireworks and the safe handling and display of consumer fireworks. Those who take the training will be tested and must score 100 percent on the safety questions and at least 80 percent on the section on basic knowledge of fireworks.

“On fireworks safety, one of the biggest things we try to teach is that there is no safe firework out there,” MVFD Assistant Chief Kevin Sargent said. “Fireworks in the U.S. are regulated and the state of Illinois has decided to allow some fireworks. ... We try to teach people what fireworks are legal and illegal and the safety in handling and distance.”

Sargent, who also teaches the classes, said one of the biggest surprises he has noticed many people express during the training is the safety distances.

“Some fireworks project over 400 feet, and we need to keep spectators away that far so they aren’t injured or hit by debris from falling fireworks,” Sargent said. “... They need to be aware of the weather. Is it windy? The wind will change the direction of fireworks after it has left the shell or tube. Also, everybody thinks since it has rained and rained that a fire can’t start. But it is dry underneath the grass on top, and that can get hit and cause it to burn.”

Overhead obstructions such as tree limbs, electric lines, and buildings within the 400 foot diameter of where fireworks are being lit are also things that need to be avoided. If a small fire does break out, there should be a nearby water source, Sargent said.

“If a spot fire happens, they can stop the show, put it out, wet down the area and then continue the show,” Sargent explained.

According to information from the David B. Foreman, the State Fire Marshal, more than 100 people were injured by fireworks last year. He urges residents to avoid personal displays.

“For many people, fireworks are as much a part o the Fourth of July as turkey is to Thanksgiving,” Foreman stated. “However, fireworks can be very dangerous in untrained hands, and each year many children and adults are injured, some quite severely. The best way to enjoy fireworks on America’s birthday is to watch one of the many professional displays that will be held in communities throughout the state. Professional fireworks shooters are trained to handle the inherent dangers in fireworks and can ensure that you and your family have a safe, happy holiday.”