As Wellington and the rest of the Country gets ready to celebrate Independence Day, local officials are urging caution when it comes to fireworks.
Fireworks went on sale Wednesday, and residents can shoot fireworks starting today and ending at midnight on July 4th. From today until Saturday, fireworks may only be used from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and from 10 a.m. to midnight on July 4th. No discharge of fireworks will be allowed on July 5th, Interim Fire Chief Bill Hellard said.
Fireworks are not permitted to be shot:
- Within 1,000 feet of any hospital, sanitarium or infirmary;
- Under or on a car or vehicle wheither it is moving or standing still;
- On a public roadway or the right-of-away adjoining a public roadway including streets and alleyways;
- Within 50 feet of any retail fireworks stand or facility;
- Within 50 feet of a gas station or any building or container with volatile fuels;
- At the Wellington Lake.
Hellard says residents should use common sense when it comes to safety and fireworks. Drier conditions could make outdoor fires easier to be set.
“It’s dry and just be aware how dry it is,” Hellard said. He urges areas be sprayed down before being used to set off fireworks and that a fire extinguisher and bucket of water be close by in case of emergency.
If a firework does malfunction, Hellard says the best thing to do is soak it down — not pick it up.
Adult supervision is also a key to having a safe holiday, as fireworks are “always burn hazards.”
Hellard says he has seen a lot of second and third degree burns from fireworks and has even seen static electricity set them off.
“People need to be careful with how they handle these things,” Hellard said.
Though everyone would seem to enjoy that sparkle that fireworks bring to the holiday, local animal advocates urge residents to take care and caution around outdoor pets.
City Council member Cindy Antonich says dogs should be kept inside during firework usage and given a safe place to hide from the noise and smoke. Tags should also be put on animals in case they run away in fear.
For more information on how to stay safe, call the Wellington Fire Department at 326-7443.
