FORT WORTH (WBAP/KLIF)-Fire departments all over North Texas remind everyone to stay safe when shooting fireworks this Fourth of July weekend.
Mike Drivdahl with the Fort Worth Fire Department said it is illegal to sell, posses or light fireworks inside city limits, you can be fined up to $2,000.
He said if you have land or permission to shoot them outside city limits, remember to keep them away from buildings, cars or dry grass.
Drivdahl said 25% of injuries they see are to peoples face and eyes and other calls are related to damaged property.
“A lot of the fires that start during the Fourth of July are from fireworks falling on dry grass or mulch so it’s best to do that in an open area and keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby just in case anything happens,” he said.
He also reminds parents to keep them out of child’s reach and to be weary of sparklers. “Even the simplest form of fireworks, sparklers, burn at a high rate of up 1,200 degrees and it can seriously injure anyone if it lands on your feet,” he said. “Leave it to the adults don’t let the kids shoot them up and follow the manual instructions…don’t double them up, that can obviously cause an issue,” Drivdahl said.
To avoid fines or injuries, local fire departments encourage residents to go to professional firework displays in your city.
Drivdahl said the Fort Worth Fire Department and Fort Worth Police are monitoring events and they’re safe for the whole family.
For a list of Fort Worth events visit:
https://www.fortworth.com/events/annual-events/fourth-in-the-fort/