Maitland City Talk

One hundred and fifty years ago in July of 1863 a great battle took place outside of the small town of Gettysburg, Penn. Cannons, muskets and pistols fired in a war between countrymen, family, and one-time friends that created a spectacle and tragedy no one will forget. The smell of fire and brimstone hung in the air from the black powder used to send deadly missiles across the field of battle.

A century and a half later we are one united nation. As we make plans to celebrate our country’s birth with fireworks, many of us will come in contact with the same material, black powder, which was once used for a much deadlier purpose. However, we must keep in mind that even though the materials used to make fireworks fly and explode so brilliantly are no longer meant for war, they can and do cause injuries across Florida and the United States.

The sale and use of fireworks and sparklers are controlled to an extent in Florida. However, there are items that may be available at some locations that should not be sold to the public at large. Illegal fireworks are defined as fireworks that create a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration or detonation

Items such as firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, roman candles, cherry bombs, and any fireworks containing any explosives or flammable compound are considered illegal and cannot be sold in our state. Even though a retailer at a tent or permanent fireworks sales site tells you fireworks may be purchased with a waiver, think twice! Signing a waiver for fireworks does not release you from liability if a device you’ve ignited starts a fire. Nor does signing a waiver keep you from injuring yourself or others if a device malfunctions and explodes.

Did you now the tip of a sparkler burns at a temperature of more than 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to melt gold and cause third-degree burns? In fact, each Fourth of July, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. The risk of fireworks injury is highest for children 5–14 years of age. More than 80 percent of emergency room fireworks injuries involve fireworks that consumers are legally allowed to use.

We recommend you leave fireworks to the professionals and do not use consumer fireworks. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals. Our neighboring communities host some wonderful displays that can be enjoyed by the entire family.

After the fireworks display, children should never be allowed to pick up used fireworks that may be left over because they may still be active. If you see a firework that doesn’t look as if it has exploded, alert the nearest authority, police or fire, and move away from the device for your own safety. Fireworks displays are safe for the most part, but accidents can and do occur on occasion.

Now you may ask after all this, “So what types of devices can we purchase in Florida?”

Some devices that have been approved by the Florida Station Fire Marshal are sparklers, snakes or glow worms, smoke devices, trick noisemakers, party poppers, booby traps, snappers, trick matches that produce a spark, cigarette loads and sparkling fountains, which can be found for sale at locations throughout our area.

Using care and common sense will ensure you and your family have an enjoyable Fourth of July celebration.

If you have any questions or concerns about fireworks or sparklers, please don’t hesitate to contact your Maitland Fire Rescue Department at 407-539-6226.

Dennis Marshall, CET, FCO

Fire Marshal

Maitland Fire Rescue Department