Posted on: Thursday, December 20, 2007
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ARE YOU BUYING THIS?
Spike in pyrotechnic revelry raises fire concerns
By
Robbie Dingeman
Advertiser Columnist
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Whether you plan on celebrating the new year with sparklers, fountaining novelties or firecrackers, Honolulu firefighters hope that you'll be mindful of the heat and smoke that come with all pyrotechnics.
Honolulu Fire Department Capt. Terry Seelig worries about two recent trends here: a big jump in the use of illegal aerial fireworks across O'ahu and an increase in the sales and burning of all the other novelties — the assortment of things that burn, fountain, whistle, sparkle and pop.
Seelig calls the increase in aerials "a disturbing trend" that is especially dangerous in O'ahu's urban areas where the aerials are likely to be shot into the air by people who let them land on someone else's property, rooftop or in a dry, brushy area.
"A lot of illegal aerials are being used throughout the year," Seelig said. "Right after the Boise State (vs. University of Hawai'i) game, there was an aerial display from the Aloha Stadium parking lot," he said, adding, "They don't know where they're going to come down."
O'ahu folks still need to get a $25 permit to buy and set off firecrackers. But Seelig expressed his concern this week about a growing number of novelties being sold that don't require a permit: the fountains, ground-blooming flowers, whistling petes, etc.
"The merchants are bringing in what's easier to sell," he said. But folks who light them up should realize that even the over-the-counter fireworks can injure people and start fires.
"They have the same inherent risks," Seelig said.
And yes, he even cautions folks about sparklers. Despite their innocent reputation as a child's toy, he points out that a standard sparkler reaches heat "well over 1,000 degrees." Which means it can injure someone holding one, and also present a risk of puncture wound if someone steps on a spent rod.
Seelig said the Honolulu Fire Department takes an official position favoring a ban on all fireworks, but he understands that would be a tough sell in Hawai'i. So instead he offers a variety of safety tips in the hope it will reduce injuries and prevent fires.
"I don't want to sound like a Grinch but why take unnecessary risks?" he asked.
He offered these tips:
Know who you're buying from: Get approved fireworks from a licensed retail outlet that posts its retail license.
Read and follow warnings and instructions listed by the manufacturer for the safe handling and use of fireworks.
Never point or throw fireworks at a person, building or animal.
Never ignite fireworks indoors.
Fireworks should only be lighted on a smooth, flat surface away from buildings, dry vegetation and flammable materials.
Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
Have a garden hose or a bucket of water ready in the event of a fire.
Adults should always supervise the use of fireworks by children. Even sparklers can be dangerous.
Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.
Wear eye protection when lighting fireworks.
Don't position any part of your body over fireworks when you light them.
Never attempt to relight malfunctioning fireworks.
Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
Never experiment with homemade fireworks. They are dangerous and illegal.
KNOW THE RULES OF PLAYING WITH FIREWORKS ON O'AHU
WHAT'S AGAINST THE LAW IN HONOLULU?
Remove or extract pyrotechnic contents.
Throw any ignited fireworks from a moving vehicle.
Set off fireworks in the vicinity of healthcare facilities and facilities for the care of animals.
Set off fireworks by schools.
Set off fireworks on public ways, in parks, cane fields or places of worship.
Set off, ignite, discharge or otherwise cause to explode any fireworks within 500 feet from any hotel, which shall include the area of the City and County of Honolulu commonly known as Waikiki, particularly described as the district bounded by the Ala Wai Canal, Kapahulu Avenue, and along the ocean back to the entrance of the Ala Wai Canal, unless a permit has been issued to allow it.
Offer for sale, sell or give any fireworks to minors. Parents or guardians may allow a minor to use fireworks only while under the immediate supervision and control of an adult.
Transport fireworks in carry-on luggage, checked luggage, airline cargo or mail.
WHEN ARE FIREWORKS LEGAL IN HONOLULU FOR NEW YEAR'S?
This year the sale of fireworks in Honolulu begins Wednesday, the day after Christmas, and ends at midnight Dec. 31.
On O'ahu, firecrackers may be set off from 9 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. on Jan. 1.
WHAT ABOUT PERMITS?
A permit is required to legally purchase the fireworks commonly known as firecrackers. (A permit is not required for sparklers, poppers, ground-blooming flowers and an assortment of other seasonal fireworks.)
Permits can be obtained at any Satellite City Hall during normal business hours for a $25 fee. Multiple permits may be purchased. Permits are not available at O'ahu fire stations. The fee is nonrefundable, and the permit must be used in the year issued and only for the designated holiday. Fire officials advise consumers to avoid the last-minute rush by getting permits now.
Fireworks purchases can only be made at licensed retail sites. Retail licenses shall be prominently displayed in public view and secured at the location for which the license has been issued. Licensed retailers shall not sell more than 5,000 individual firecrackers per permit.
Aerial fireworks are illegal on O'ahu without a display permit from the Honolulu fire chief.
Reach Robbie Dingeman at rdingeman@honoluluadvertiser.com or 535-2429.
Make a difference. Donate to The Advertiser Christmas Fund.
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