With sensibility and maybe some luck, this Fourth of July won't be a fiery one. At least, that's what fire safety officials are hoping. But that's not likely, based on past history of fireworks and Independence Day celebrations. Last year alone, 432 fireworks-related injuries and fires were reported to the state fire marshal by fire departments and hospitals statewide. Of those, 155 incidents caused $320,240 in fire losses, and 66 involved injuries suffered from illegal fireworks. The majority of such trouble annually occurs on July 4. Demographically, the majority of injury victims are men at least 36 years old, according to fire marshal Charles Duffy. Fire officials in Pierce County and elsewhere are urging the public to use fireworks cautiously during the recent hot, dry weather that is making conditions ripe for accidental fires. A professional pyrotechnics show in Eatonville on July 3 will give fireworks fans their fix without having to light anything of their own. The show will start after dusk, capping a day of games and other activities at the fields near Eatonville Elementary School. The next day, a parade through town at 12 noon will continue the two-day festivities. Within town limits, personal use of fireworks will be allowed July 3-4 from 12 noon to 11 p.m. On July 5, the opportunity is for only three hours GÇô 9 a.m. to 12. Unincorporated areas of Pierce County will follow the same rules as state law, which allows fireworks to be discharged June 28 from 12 noon to 11 p.m., June 29 to July 3 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., July 4 from 9 a.m. to midnight, and July 5 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Officials hope people will buy and use only licensed, legal fireworks and will stay away from illegal fireworks . The latter, whether homemade or purchased, have been known to cause serious injuries such as puncture wounds, burns, and trauma to hands, faces, chests and legs. Duffy said families should discuss safe uses of fireworks and and set boundaries for their use. "Personal fireworks require personal responsibility,GÇ¥ Duffy said, adding that people should remember the three B's of fireworks safety: " Be prepared. Have water nearby and put pets indoors. " Be safe. Only adults should light fireworks.
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