This is a noisy time of year, and sometimes a dangerous one, when thousands of people go into the explosives business for a few weeks.
Some of the devices just sparkle or whistle or go “whoosh,” and some go “bang,” but they can be dangerous if improperly handled. And there are limits on what’s legal to be sold at this time of year.
About 1400 fireworks stands get seasonal business permits during the July 4th holiday period. State Fire Marshall Randy Cole has seventeen inspectors and fifteen investigators who check as many of those stands as possible to make sure they’re safely selling legal products.
But even these legal products that have limits on their explosive power can hurt. Cole says the most common fireworks injuries are to eyes, faces, hands, and arms.
Cole says stands along our borders often pick up a lot of business from some of our more restrictive neighboring states. But those customers face problems if they’re caught with the fireworks when they go home.
AUDIO: Interview with Randy Cole
