On Monday, we discussed the inherent danger involved with fireworks that is associated with this past Wednesday’s Fourth of July holiday. However, as we noted, there are thousands of injuries from fireworks throughout the months before and after Independence Day. As Captain Joe Bruni notes in the video above, it is not only common for people to purchase and use consumer fireworks during the holiday season, but also for individuals to partake in alcoholic beverages. “Those two do not mix as injuries and fires are common across the United States from consumer types of firework use every year,” Bruni says. “Fire departments respond to over 10,000 injuries and 50,000 fires each holiday season from the use of consumer fireworks.”
Florida Statute 791 essentially makes any type of firework other than sparklers illegal to light in the Sunshine State. However, in addition to the legal penalties and physical dangers involved for the individual setting off a firework, it is also important to note that the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says that on “Independence Day in a typical year, far more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day and more than twice as many as on an average day.”
While the NFPA reports that the number of reported fires related to fireworks has been declining each year since 2006, the agency says that fireworks caused an estimated 15,500 reported fires in 2010. Those fires resulted in an estimated eight reported deaths, 60 civilian injuries and $36 million in direct property damage.
There will be an increased presence of law enforcement throughout Florida this week looking for illegal fireworks as well as drunk drivers. We recommend that our readers take the appropriate steps to avoid being arrested for either one of those offenses. If you or a loved one has sustained a serious injury because of an auto accident caused by an intoxicated motorist, you should contact our firm to see what our attorneys may be able to do to help you.
Wooten Kimbrough, P.A. – Orlando personal injury lawyers