By Adam Smith

The North Jefferson News



On Monday, some residents will purchase fireworks to help ring in the new year, despite the continuation of Stage Two of the Birmingham Water Works drought management plan.

However, recent rainfall may help prevent the potential for fires.

Rain or no rain, fireworks are still illegal in some north Jefferson cities. Gardendale and Fultondale have a ban on any fireworks inside the city limits. However, fireworks are allowed in Warrior, Kimberly and Morris. The sale of fireworks is also permitted in Warrior.

Sgt. Randy Christian of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said there are currently no fireworks bans or fire alerts for areas within the sheriff’s office jurisdiction. However, he said deputies would be on the lookout for any carelessness that might endanger someone’s property or well-being.

“We would ask that everyone be mindful of the fact that there are areas of the county that are extremely dry due to the lack of rain this year,” Christian said. “If you are going to celebrate with fireworks, use extreme care and good common sense. There is no substitute for that.”

A major fireworks distributor, TNT Fireworks, is also reminding new year’s revelers to use common sense and safety when celebrating this year.

A press release from TNT said between 1976 and 2006, fireworks injuries have declined 91 percent, despite an fireworks consumption increase from 29 million pounds to 278 million pounds.

Dr. John Conkling, a spokesman for the American Pyrotechnics Association, said the decline in injuries can be attributed to education initiatives over the past three decades.

He said that six manufacturers of fireworks operate a test facility in China. “As a result of that, we’ve seen the injury rate associated with consumer fireworks drop over the past several years.”

Conkling said like many states, fireworks in Alabama must adhere to state regulations of federal standards of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

He said consumers in drier conditions should stick to fireworks that have a more localized effect, rather than aerial products.

“People should be very careful when selecting,” Conkling said. Fireworks are a lot of fun and a lot of people enjoy them. The biggest thing is to use common sense.”

Conkling gave the following tips consumers should follow when purchasing and discharging New Year’s Eve fireworks.

• Buy them from an established retail outlet: “They’re going to be inspected by the local and state fire marshal and that outlet will be selling items that comply with federal requirements.”

• A responsible, sober adult has to be in charge of all fireworks activities: “You want someone lighting them who is in full control of their abilities. Don’t give fireworks to kids.”

• Choose the discharge area appropriately, especially with a drought situation: “If there is dry, flammable material around, seriously consider if fireworks should be used.”

• Have a garden hose hooked up to a water outlet: “Should a spark start a fire, you don’t want to be thinking about water after the fact.”