As we head into summer weather and wildfire season, Spokane Valley Fire Department Fire Chief, Bryan Collins has some fire safety concerns for our community.

Fireworks are often used to mark special events and holidays. However, they are not safe in the hands of consumers. Fireworks cause thousands of injuries each year.

More than 16,000 reported fires are started by fireworks annually.

Sparklers account for roughly one-quarter of emergency room fireworks injuries.

To understand how hot a sparkler burns, here are some comparisons.

Chief Collins met with SVFD Fire Marshal, Greg Rogers to talk about the dangers of fireworks on the community.  Every year the illegal use of fireworks injures people and causes fires, resulting in property damage.

Each year fireworks injure thousands of people and cause thousands of fires.  About 2/5 fires started by fireworks each year are reported on the 4^th of July Independence Day holiday.

Fireworks cause an estimated 18,500 reported fires in the U.S. each year.  U.S. Emergency Hospital rooms see an estimated 12,900 people for fireworks related injuries.

6% for arm injuries

10% for trunk or other injuries

14% for eye injuries

17% for leg injuries

22% for head, face, or ear injuries

31% for hand or finger.

Sparklers alone account for more than ¼ of emergency room fireworks injuries.

If you have questions or need to know how to dispose of fireworks properly, call us at the Spokane Valley Fire Department 509.928.1700

We want to keep this community safe and healthy no matter what season it is.