Fort Wayne Fire Department joins with Fort Wayne Police Department and Three Rivers Ambulance Authority to encourage everyone to enjoy fireworks in the safest possible way.  "We recommend for everyone's safety that they go to fireworks presented by trained professionals," said Assistant Chief Christine Bowers, Fort Wayne Fire Department Fire Marshal.  "If they are going to purchase fireworks for private use, we encourage them to use fireworks responsibly and take safety precautions."

A new State Law governing the use and sale of fireworks is in effect in Indiana which does allow adults age 18 and older to purchase fireworks for use in Indiana on the user's property, the property of someone who has consented to the use of fireworks, or at a special discharge location designated by the State Fire Marshal. The fireworks may be used only between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. except on Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day and New Year's Eve when the hours are extended to midnight.

"In 2004, 52% of all fireworks-related injuries in Indiana involved children and adolescents. They represent only a quarter of Indiana's population so this is a concern. These injuries most frequently were burns to the hands caused by sparklers," said Bowers.  She explained that of all the injuries in 2004, 25% required either hospital admission or specialized care for burns or eye injuries. One in five of those injuries involved the eyes with 88% of those injuries due to not using any eye protection. "Fireworks injuries are often severe," she added.

Safety is always the key to any activity and this includes fireworks.  For your safety, as well as that of your loved ones, neighbors and the community, the Fort Wayne Fire Department suggests you enjoy your fireworks at a professional event.  Information regarding Indiana's new Fireworks Law is available at www.fortwaynefiredepartment.org, the Internet Site for Fort Wayne Fire Department.

Additional fireworks safety information includes:

• Make sure to have a responsible adult supervise all fireworks activities.  Do not let children play with or light any fireworks.
• Use fireworks in an open area away from buildings or anything combustible.  Keep your audience a safe distance away from the shooting site.
• Safety glasses should be used by those lighting the fireworks or in close proximity to the fireworks.
• Have a hose, bucket of water or water supply, or a fire extinguisher nearby and pay attention to the wind direction.