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 District Chief Jim Murua, 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 City Ordinance governing the use of fireworks is in effect in Fort Wayne which is similar to Indiana's State Fireworks Law which does allow adults age 18 and older to purchase fireworks for use in Fort Wayne 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. In the City of Fort Wayne, the fireworks may be used only between 5 p.m. and two hours after dusk (approximately 11 p.m.) from June 29 - July 3 and July 5 - 9. On the day before Memorial Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, the day before Labor Day and Labor Day, the hours are extended from 10 a.m. - to midnight.  For New Year's Eve, the hours are 10 a.m. Dec. 31 until 1 a.m., Jan. 1.

"According to a report from the Indiana State Department of Health, in 2006 55% 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. Of these injuries, 73% of cases reported burn injuries with burns to the hands being the most common type of burn injury," said Murua.  He explained that of all the injuries in 2006, 23% required either hospital admission or specialized care for burns or eye injuries. One in four of those injuries involved the eyes with 97% of those injuries due to not using any eye protection. "Fireworks injuries are often severe," he 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 Fort Wayne's new Fireworks Law is available at http://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.  Be aware of the wind direction and plan accordingly.

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.