07/01/2011

CITY OF WILKES-BARRE REMINDS RESIDENTS TO HAVE A SAFE FOURTH OF JULY

 

WILKES-BARRE - People celebrate the Fourth of July holiday in a whole host of ways including cookouts, baseball, and lighting fireworks. The City of Wilkes-Barre would like to remind residents of the potential dangers involved with using explosives to celebrate the nation's birthday.

 

Under state law, using incendiary devices more commonly referred to as "M-80s," "M-100s," "cherry bombs," or "quarter or half sticks" is a 3rd degree felony. Even legal novelty items, such as sparklers can be potentially dangerous if not handled with care. They can heat up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit which is more than hot enough to cause 3rd degree burns.

 

Wilkes-Barre Fire Chief Jay Delaney recommends people avoid these devices altogether especially children. "Fireworks and other devices pose a serious risk of injury or worse to an individual but also to personal property," said Delaney, "Over the course of my career, I have witnessed firsthand the tragic consequences of amateur fireworks use."

 

Mayor Thomas M. Leighton wants Wilkes-Barre residents to have a safe and enjoyable holiday. "The easiest way to prevent fireworks related injuries is to leave it to the trained professionals," he said, "We have a world class 4th of July celebration in Kirby Park and a fireworks spectacular that never disappoints. I would encourage anyone in the city to bring their friends and families down to the park to enjoy the show and leave their worries at home."

 

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