ZFD Encourages Fireworks Safety

The Fourth of July brings fireworks and the Zanesville Fire Department is reminding you once again to keep safety in mind.

We spoke to Lieutenant Jim Prang who said technically all fireworks are illegal in Ohio even though they are sold here. Many places require you to sign a waver that states you will take them across the border within 72 hours. Prang said there are a few things you can look for that are legal to use.

“Your snap and pops, your twizzlers your sparklers, things like that that people use.” Said Prang, “They’re changing all the time. For the most part, those are the things that you’re probably not going to have any issues with.”

Prang said even when using legal fireworks and sparklers, you should always make sure there is a competent adult present and to always monitor children’s use. You should also be aware of your surroundings. Prang said there are a lot of common injuries to watch out for during the holiday weekend.

“Typically you’re looking at burn injuries obviously. Projectile injuries from an item from an explosion or something like that. You’re also worried about secondary burns to property or things like that but, there could be ear problems, eye problems.”

Prang said Fire and EMS runs are at an increased percentage because of fireworks during the holiday season.