Legal or Not, Fireworks Lit Up Local Neighborhoods for the 4th

Legal or Not, Fireworks Lit Up Local Neighborhoods for the 4th

Fireworks were going off in neighborhoods all over Rhode Island during the 4th of July holiday weekend. Roadside stands, Walmart and supermarkets in the Ocean State did a brisk business selling what are now considered "legal" fireworks.

Was everyone abiding by the law?

Not really. It wasn't just the now legal sparklers, party poppers and snappers that were being used at Independence Day cookouts and parties. The night sky was lighting up with fireworks that were not legal ground fireworks. In fact, in Western Cranston, many neighbors roaming around watching people fire off fireworks with names like Roman Candles, Magic Thunder, and Medusa. These are not legal to purchase in Rhode Island.

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Tree lined streets with with homes close together were not a concern for many who lit off fireworks in this, among many neighborhoods in Rhode Island. The new legal "ground" fireworks didn't seem to be enough of a thrill. It didn't stop those who were likely inexperienced in how to use them safely as many fireworks were being launchedinto low hanging tree branches and on lawns that were in desperate need of water.

Even the now legal ground fireworks, such as sparklers, are a hazard. Children love to wave them around and it only takes an instant for them to catch fire on clothing or burn a child's skin. A sparkler can reach temperatures of 1,200 to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit.

Not far from Rhode Island in Long Island, NY, a man lighting fireworks accidentally blew off his arm this weekend while lighting fireworks. Apparently he didn't get out of the way of the mortar tube containing fireworks fast enough after lighting it. This is a prime example of inexperienced people lighting dangerous fireworks.

In 2008,about 7,000 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with fireworks, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Legal or not, fireworks were popular purchases this weekend. Used at the homes of those who are thinking more of the spirit of Independence Day than the potential hazards, the coming days may reveal if the fire and police department were busy responding to incidents invovling fireworks.

Best bet? No matter how fun it is to light fireworks at your own home, next year head to a professionally run fireworks event and enjoy the show.