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TFD Distracted by Fireworks

Last Update: 7/02 10:15 pm

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Firefighters are on alert, approaching one of their busiest weekends of the year as people set off fireworks to celebrate the 4^th of July. The biggest threat may not be the fireworks, but the distraction keeping crews from quickly getting where they're really needed. Fox 23’s Douglas Clark has more.

It is illegal to buy and shoot off fireworks anywhere in the Tulsa city limits. Even so, people do it, and it’s why, over the holiday weekend, firefighters will respond to nearly twice the number of calls they normally would.

The fireworks business is booming at this stand in Bixby, as locals stock up on the July 4^th staple.

“Missiles, artilleries, firecrackers,” says 13 year old Casey Saied.

Even though they’re banned in Tulsa, it doesn’t stop people from crossing the border to buy them.

“This is probably one of the well-known stands around,” says fireworks seller Maggie Guynes. “So we get a lot of business from Tulsa and out of town.”

While there’s always a danger to those who set them off, others can be put in harm’s way when fireworks are set off too close to homes.

“It can result in grass fires, house fires, any kind of structure fire,” says Tulsa Fire Captain Randy Reed.

“We’ve heard them pretty close to my house for the last couple of nights quite frequently,” says fireworks buyer Jennifer Saied. “It has scared us quite a bit here lately.”

Tulsa firefighters respond to numerous calls involving those setting off fireworks illegally within the Tulsa city limits, and they say it’s a major distraction.

“If we happen to be on a fireworks call that is not an incident, it could pull us off a medical call or other emergency call,” says Captain Reed.

If you live in an area where fireworks are legal, here's what to keep in mind:
Place them on a hard surface like pavement. Don't put them on grass. Make sure you're away from houses. Have a bucket of water ready just in case. Experts recommend that you be at least 16 to set them off. Read the warning labels on the packages.

If you live in Tulsa, to report problems with people shooting off fireworks in your neighborhood, call the non-emergency hotline at 596-9222. Violators face fines in excess of $200.

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