BY AMY MARCHIANO
There is a tent at the Cressona Mall parking lot where people in search of the “big ones” can buy fireworks.
Steve Schaeffer, trustee of Schuylkill Hose Company No. 2, was at the tent Thursday waiting for customers. The fire company and North End, Pine Grove, are selling the fireworks.
“Thirty-five to 40% of the people are looking for the big ones,” Schaeffer said.
Consumer-grade airbone fireworks must be sold at stores licensed to sell them. These include bottle rockets and Roman candles.
However, the combination packs are in demand.
Named “Big Timer,” the fireworks are $159.99. Another combination pack called “Perfect Show” is a hit. Old time favorites such as sparklers and Pop-Its are also popular. Smoke balls, which give off colored smoke while spinning, are available.
Schaeffer said they average about 10 sales a day. He expects business to spark this week.
5-year-old Adrian Rivera waves a sparkler as fireworks go off at Kirby Park Saturday, July 4th, 2015 in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. (AP Photo Citizens’ Voice/Andrew Krech)
The tent is open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. until Saturday.
Officials warn public about fireworks
With the Independence Day holiday coming Thursday, county residents will no doubt want to celebrate with family and friends. That could include lighting fireworks that brighten the sky.
Practicing safety is essential to making sure everyone has a good time while observing the holiday.
“Use common sense,” Deputy Chief Jim Reed, of the Schuylkill Haven Fire Department, said.
Reed said he has heard fireworks going off at night recently.
“Safety is paramount,” Pottsville Fire Chief James E. Misstishin Sr. said.
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission announced this month an estimated 9,100 fireworks-related injuries were treated in emergency rooms in 2018. Sixty-two percent of them occurred from June 22 through July 22. Firecrackers accounted for the most number of injuries. Five people died in 2018, although not all data is complied yet, the CPSC said.
Since 2003, 121 people died in firework-related injuries, the CPSC said. Hands and fingers are the most injured body parts (28%); followed by legs (24%); eyes (19%); head, face and ears (15%); trunk and other areas of the body (4%).
Pat Moran, education and community outreach coordinator for Schuylkill EMS, said five people suffered burns in 2018 due to fireworks.
Of those, three were “serious enough to be sent to the regional burn center in Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, one was treated locally and the last refused treatment or transport.”
Like others, he urged caution.
“We understand that people want to celebrate Independence Day and celebrate it by using fireworks. All we ask is that they do it responsibly and take as many precautions as possible to enjoy the rockets red glare,” Moran said.
“Fireworks are not toys; they are inherently dangerous, and in most cases, their use should be left to professionals,” State Fire Commissioner Bruce Trego said in a statement.
Police respond when needed
Police respond to fireworks complaints after being dispatched by the Schuylkill County Communications Center.
“Most of the calls are when we get a complaint and we give that to the police,” Schuylkill County Communications Director Scott Krater said about firework related calls.
He estimated the communications center receives between 75 to 80 calls within a two-week time span, before and after July 4.
Minersville Police Chief Michael Combs said the department didn’t receive calls for fireworks related incidents last year.
“The state law that allows this really resists their use,” Combs said.
Pine Grove Police Chief Thomas Trotter said his borough also didn’t have calls last year for firework incidents.
“We did have calls in the past,” he said.
Those using fireworks should obey state laws and the laws in their municipalities, Combs and Trotter said.
“The safety is still the key issue here,” Combs said.
Laws regarding fireworks
- They cannot be ignited or discharged on a public or private property without express permission of the property owner.
- They cannot be discharged from or within a motor vehicle or building.
- They cannot be discharged toward a motor vehicle or building.
- They cannot be discharged within 150 feet of an occupied structure, whether or not a person is actually present.
- They cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or another drug.
Source: Pennsylvania State Police
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