The Independence Day holiday is synonymous with fireworks, and while Indiana’s public fireworks show is slated for tomorrow night, some agencies are reminding people to be careful if they plan on setting off their own displays.
In Pennsylvania, consumer fireworks like roman candles, firecrackers and aerial cakes are allowed to be purchased by those 18 years or older, but as far as setting them off, there are restrictions. First off, you must have permission from the property owner to use them on public or private land. Fireworks cannot be discharged from or fired at a vehicle or building, and must be 150 feet away from an occupied structure regardless if someone is present. They cannot be discharged within 150 feet of an animal housing facility or a fenced area designed to confine livestock.
The rules are in place to protect people from serious injury. Citizens Ambulance Senior Operations Manager Mike Dunn said that there are a lot of inherent dangers of using fireworks.
If you do plan on using consumer fireworks, John Steigert with the Indiana Fire Association says follow all safety precautions, and keep a fire extinguisher, bucket of water or a garden hose on hand in case the charge doesn’t work.
First responders also remind everyone that people should not light fireworks if they are intoxicated by drugs or alcohol.
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