As many stock up on fireworks for the New Year, officials want to make sure those using the fireworks are aware of the best safety practices. Central Florida is experiencing abnormally dry conditions, with Marion County in a moderate drought.The lack of recent rainfall, combined with windy conditions, has prompted officials to warn about the increased risk of wildfires sparking. “We know that people are going to be going pretty crazy this year with fireworks,” said Joe La Bella of Sky King Fireworks in Cocoa.La Bella said they prepare all year for this kind of celebration, but with the celebration comes the need for extra safety precautions.”We always tell people to stay at least 50 feet away, hard flat surfaces,” La Bella said. “If it is lit on soft surfaces, it could easily shoot in any direction and cause harm or a fire.”Fire rescue officials advise keeping a close eye on any outdoor fires and ensuring a garden hose is within reach as a precaution.”Just be smart about it,” said Assistant Fire Chief John Ringleb of the Palm Bay Fire Department.Whether it be a dozen buckets of water or making the extra effort not to mix alcohol and fire, Ringleb shared the dangers of fireworks, especially at this time of year. The number of calls increases, Ringleb said.”We have a lot of trash can fires during the ‘firework holidays’ because people do dispose of their fireworks, and they think they’re doing the right thing by putting them in the trash can,” Ringleb said.That includes soaking fireworks in water before throwing them and setting them off.The same concerns go for bonfires or any fires that may be lit outside. Officials are telling anyone lighting fires to keep a close eye on them.
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. —
As many stock up on fireworks for the New Year, officials want to make sure those using the fireworks are aware of the best safety practices.
Central Florida is experiencing abnormally dry conditions, with Marion County in a moderate drought.
The lack of recent rainfall, combined with windy conditions, has prompted officials to warn about the increased risk of wildfires sparking.
“We know that people are going to be going pretty crazy this year with fireworks,” said Joe La Bella of Sky King Fireworks in Cocoa.
La Bella said they prepare all year for this kind of celebration, but with the celebration comes the need for extra safety precautions.
“We always tell people to stay at least 50 feet away, hard flat surfaces,” La Bella said. “If it is lit on soft surfaces, it could easily shoot in any direction and cause harm or a fire.”
Fire rescue officials advise keeping a close eye on any outdoor fires and ensuring a garden hose is within reach as a precaution.
“Just be smart about it,” said Assistant Fire Chief John Ringleb of the Palm Bay Fire Department.
Whether it be a dozen buckets of water or making the extra effort not to mix alcohol and fire, Ringleb shared the dangers of fireworks, especially at this time of year.
The number of calls increases, Ringleb said.
“We have a lot of trash can fires during the ‘firework holidays’ because people do dispose of their fireworks, and they think they’re doing the right thing by putting them in the trash can,” Ringleb said.
That includes soaking fireworks in water before throwing them and setting them off.
The same concerns go for bonfires or any fires that may be lit outside. Officials are telling anyone lighting fires to keep a close eye on them.