With the Fourth of July weekend approaching, John Reble of the City of Milton Fire Department cautions residents on using fireworks, which are not permitted for sale in the State of Florida. Reble said many incidents involving fireworks go unreported, due to the likelihood the fireworks are purchased out of state.
Reble cites the Florida Statutes, which differentiates between the sale of sparklers and fireworks.
“What you see available in the local store falls into the statutes,” Reble said. “What you get in Alabama usually falls beyond that.”
In Chapter 791 of the Florida Statutes, sparklers are defined as "a device which emits showers of sparks upon burning, does not contain any explosive compounds, does not detonate or explode, is handled or ground based, cannot propel itself through the air, and contains not more than 100 grams of the chemical compound which produces sparks upon burning."
Whereas fireworks are defined as "any combustible or explosive composition or substance or combination of substances or, any article prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration, or detonation. The term includes blank cartridges and toy cannons in which explosives are used, the type of balloons which require fire underneath to propel them, firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, roman candles, dago bombs, and any fireworks containing any explosives or flammable compound or any tablets or other device containing any explosive substance."
Pursuant to statute, the retail sale of consumer fireworks is not permitted in Florida without an exemption.
A release from the Milton Fire Department cautions using safety when using such devices stating sparklers are capable of causing third-degree burns when mishandled.
The fire department also recommended the following safety tips when handling such devices on the Fourth of July weekend:
• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
• Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
• A responsible adult should supervise all firework activities. Never give fireworks to children.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
• Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
• Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
• Use fireworks outdoors in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them into metal or glass containers.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
• FAA regulations prohibit the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage.
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the police department.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Milton Fire Chief cautions in handling fireworks, sparklers