HomeMy WebLinkAboutJune 27-Fireworks Safety
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
Contact: Lauryn Grimes, Communications Intern
Phone 952-833-9522 • CommIntern@EdinaMN.gov • www.EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Edina Fire Department Encourages Safe Use of Fireworks
Edina, Minn., June 27, 2014 – Fireworks are a main attraction when it comes to Independence day
celebrations. The Edina Fire Department encourages those who use legal fireworks to be safe.
The sale, possession and use of certain non-explosive and non-aerial consumer fireworks are permitted in
Minnesota. However, explosive and aerial fireworks are prohibited for public sale, possession and use.
Examples of legal fireworks include sparklers, cones and tubes that emit sparks, novelty items like snakes and
party poppers. A comprehensive list of both legal and illegal fireworks can be found on the Minnesota
Department of Public Safety’s website, www.dps.mn.gov. Those who violate this law can expect up to one
year in jail or fines up to $3,000, depending on the amount of fireworks in possession.
Because the danger is not eliminated, even with legal fireworks, Fire Marshal Jeff Siems urges residents to
remember that even sparklers burn at a temperature near 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.
“Children often hold sparklers too close to themselves or others, and clothing can quickly go up in flames,” he
explained. “Even legal fireworks can be extremely dangerous.”
Nationwide, more fires are reported on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year, with fireworks
accounting as the cause for more than half. If you intend to use legal fireworks, the Edina Fire Department
asks that you adhere to the following guidelines:
Always read, understand and follow all instructions.
Keep fireworks away from small children and do not let children use fireworks unsupervised.
Choose a safe place that is a good distance from anything that could start on fire or be damaged.
Keep lit cigarettes, cigars and pipes away from where fireworks are stored.
Never light fireworks inside another container like a bottle or can.
Never throw fireworks at another person or point them toward a building.
Only light one firework at a time, then move away quickly.
If a firework has ignited but failed to go off, stay away for several minutes to be sure it is a “dud.”
Soak it in water before handling it.
Never place any part of your body over fireworks when lighting.
Never relight malfunctioning fireworks.
The Edina Fire and Police departments will respond to complaints and confiscate all illegal fireworks. Certified
operators who receive a permit from local jurisdictions for professional displays are exempt from the law.
For more information on fireworks laws and safety, contact the Edina Fire Department at 952-826-0339 or
visit www.EdinaMN.gov/Fire.
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City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424