By JONATHAN ZWEYGARDT
Hays Post
With fireworks set to go on sale in Ellis County and across the region this weekend, fire officials are reminding people to use common sense when discharging fireworks this Fourth of July holiday.
The risk of fire is always associated with fireworks, especially when the weather is hot and dry. Ellis County Director of Fire and Emergency Management Darin Myers said the region have seen above-average rainfall, but the number of fires has also increased.
“In the right type of environment,” Myers said, “with the wind speeds or the humidity, or a couple of days of not having rain, a couple of hot days, temperatures can really affect fire growth and spread.”
Myers urged anyone using fireworks to be aware of the surroundings.
“They sell a lot of large devices that put a lot of flaming material down around the ground,” Myers said.
If you are planning to set fireworks off in the county, Myers suggested doing so in areas where the grass has been recently mowed or next to a plowed field.
In June, the Ellis County Commission approved the discharge of fireworks in the unincorporated areas of the county during the same times as the city of Hays. Under the ordinance residents can purchase and discharge fireworks July 2 to 4 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. each day.
In the city of Ellis, fireworks are allowed from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. July 3 to 5. In Victoria, fireworks are only allowed July 4 from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m.
He also said it always good to have a bucket of water close when setting off fireworks.
Another danger during the Fourth of July holiday is fireworks-related injuries. According to the State Fire Marshall’s Office, there were 137 injuries related to fireworks in 2016.
Seventy-percent of the cases involved hand injuries to the person lighting the fireworks and almost 60-percent of those who suffered head or eye injuries were bystanders.
“If you are going to use or discharge fireworks, alcohol (doesn’t) mix,” said Myers said. “Inexperienced children or adults not knowing what types of fireworks they’re discharging can lead to serious accidents.”
Myers also urged residents to contact authorities if there is a fireworks-related incident.
“If there is a fire or any type of medical incident regarding a firework, the best course of action is to call 911 immediately and at least have the emergency responders in route,” Myers said.