While fireworks displays can be breathtaking and enjoyable, Lake Charles Fire Department Fire Chief Keith Murray says there
are certain precautions that must be taken to ensure the safety of both the people involved and nearby property.
Murray said that most fires started by fireworks come about because of dry conditions — a problem he believes will be downplayed
in the area this year because of recent storms.
“We used to get a lot of calls a couple of years ago specifically because the whole area was in a drought and the ground was so dry,” he said. “Even without fireworks we were having a lot of grassfires.
“I’m not saying that people weren’t doing careless things with fireworks, but the condition of the ground didn’t help. The
ground is wet now, but that doesn’t mean that people don’t need to be careful,” he said.
Though ground conditions cannot be controlled by people planning on lighting fireworks, Murray said that there are still steps
that can be taken to ensure a safe New Year’s.
“Fireworks get bigger and more
extravagant every year, and though they are beautiful, these new
fireworks require more space.
You have to go in an area with a lot of open space, without trees
or houses, an area that is just wide open. If you have enough
space, when lit the fireworks will go up in the air and come down
without causing any trouble, especially this year because
the grass is so wet,” he said.
Murray said that people should strictly adhere to the instructions printed on the packaging of every firework.
“People do crazy things with fireworks, we see it all the time,” he said.
“People have bottle rocket wars with
each other. Usually if they are fired into the air like they are
intended, when their
husks come down to the ground they are cool enough. If they are
shot at the ground, they will catch on fire. We hope nothing
like that happens this season, but if it does our boys are ready
to go,” he said.