ATF shows off the explosive danger of illegal fireworks

Tuesday, the state fire marshal came to Renton to give a demonstration why the improper use of legal fireworks and the flat-out use of illegal explosives devices can kill or maim or set a house on fire.

By Dean Radford • June 26, 2012 8:28 pm
A dummy is surrounded by smoke and sparks after an illegal explosive device was discharged Tuesday in a demonstration in Renton to show the danger of such devices. MIDDLE: An illegal fireworks blows off the dummy's hand. BELOW: Craig Mabie with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission inspects the damage.
A dummy is surrounded by smoke and sparks after an illegal explosive device was discharged Tuesday in a demonstration in Renton to show the danger of such devices. MIDDLE: An illegal fireworks blows off the dummy's hand. BELOW: Craig Mabie with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission inspects the damage.

Setting off fireworks in Renton to celebrate the Fourth of July is illegal.

Fireworks were banned in Renton in May 2005 and since then, the city has seen a continuing decrease in fireworks-related fires and injuries, says Renton Fire Chief Mark Peterson.

Recognizing that some will still use fireworks, the City of Renton will have fire crews patrolling neighborhoods on July 4 on the lookout for illegal fireworks. They’ll be joined by police officers.

Peterson’s suggestion is to leave fireworks to the professionals and go to the citywide fireworks show next Wednesday at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park on Lake Washington.

Tuesday, the state fire marshal came to Renton to give a demonstration why the improper use of legal fireworks and the flat-out use of illegal explosives devices can kill or maim or set a house on fire.

Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives used illegal fireworks standing alone or attached to a dummy or plywood to show the damage they can cause.

Little was left of the dummy that first lost a hand, then in the demonstration’s finale was blown up by an illegal firework attached to his ankle.

State Fire Marshal Chuck Duffy, a former deputy fire chief in Renton, used the demonstration to urge the public to follow local laws governing fireworks use and to use them safely.

Laws governing fireworks use vary by city or county. Fireworks are legal in Kent, but they are banned in Tukwila, for example.

“The key to using fireworks safely is to follow the directions on the package,” he said. “It sounds simple, but that is really truly what you need to do if you are going to celebrate safely on the Fourth of July.”

Duffy and others at the media event Tuesday offered several tips:

• Supervision of kids 14 and under is critical in reducing emergency responses to fireworks incidents.

• Talk to your kids about fireworks and safety.

• Set family boundaries, only adults should light fireworks.

• Store fireworks in a secure location, out of the reach and sight of curious children.

• Personal fireworks require personal responsibility.

• Be Prepared – Have water nearby and put pets indoors.

• Be Safe – Only adults should light fireworks.

• Be Responsible – Clean up fireworks debris.

Duffy has presented the same safety message for several years. Cheryl Bishop, an ATF special agent, explained why.

“Because every year it’s not the same family, it’s not the same friends that I guarantee you are going to be impacted by illegal fireworks or the improper use of legal fireworks.”