Local firefighters and firework distributors can call for Hoosiers to use caution when setting off fireworks continuously, but at the end of the day, the decision to be safe is in the individual’s hands, says Bargersville Community Fire Department Deputy Chief Mike Pruitt.
Pruitt says without fail, his department receives call after call around July 4 about minor mistakes that could’ve been easily prevented.
“Typically what we run into is people don’t follow [or] just don’t do any preparation for safety,” Pruitt said.
The problem isn’t just local. Pew Research Center reported in 2019 that approximately 90,000 U.S. emergency room visits occurred on July 4 and July 5, with fireworks being the 16th most common cause of injury.
He said the most common fireworks incidents occur when people try to get innovative, and when they’re intoxicated.
In an ideal world, Pruitt said everyone would just go watch firework shows instead of buying large fireworks and setting them off in residential areas, but he also said BCFD understands that isn’t the reality. People will still want to buy them, so the goal is to be safe and take all precautions.
Pruitt recommends that people set off fireworks on flat land away from any structures that could be hit if the firework shoots off in the wrong direction. He also said it’s important to have large buckets of water around, as well as a garden hose, in case a firework needs to be extinguished.
Pruitt added that people also need to think about the social issue of setting off fireworks. In local Facebook groups, people have shared their distaste for those setting off fireworks before July 4, often complaining of the loud noise waking up family members and pets.
“We hear law enforcement get call after call that complain about fireworks. Out of respect for your neighbors, you know you don’t have to shoot all night long,” Pruitt said. “Sometimes these fireworks go on … long after midnight. People try to sleep and it upsets pets and creates tension in the neighborhood.”
Knowing where you bought your fireworks and how to use them is Pruitt’s other crucial tip. He recommends buying from small businesses that keep their shops open year-round.
“The main thing I’m getting at is you need to talk to the people that sell you the fireworks. Read the instructions, do your research.”
Co-owner of Sideshow Fireworks in Greenwood, Mercedes Baytala, said that’s why she and her husband, Michael Baytala, work to educate their customers about what exactly they’re buying.
Baytala said that she tries to explain to customers that if they’re shooting fireworks off in a residential area, they’re liable for any damage that may be caused to surrounding houses. She said some of the fireworks fan out more than others, and without the correct set-up, they can sometimes shoot off sideways — hitting a nearby crowd or house.
“Usually with our smaller cakes, we tell them to brace their cakes with bricks. Or if you have a five-gallon bucket, you can put sand in there and wiggle your cake in and it doesn’t move,” Baytala said.
The benefit of buying from small businesses is that the owners know their products. Baytala said she has no problem taking large fireworks apart and explaining them step-by-step.
Echoing Pruitt’s concerns, Baytala said it’s really important to notify your neighbors if you plan on setting off any fireworks.
The Baytalas live next to a home that rescues senior animals, and even they have a cordial relationship, despite their hobby. Baytala said she makes sure to warn them anytime they have a party coming up where they plan to set off fireworks.
Most of all, both Pruitt and Baytala say to check local ordinances and be respectful of them. Following instructions and being safe will still make the experience fun, Baytala says.
“Doing roman candle wars where there are these flaming balls looks like fun, but the moment that you cause burns, the fun is over,” Pruitt said. “It’s ruined for everyone. Not even just that night is ruined, it can be ruined forever for some people.”
