Many Alabama Fireworks Are Illegal In Florida

July 2, 2009

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North Escambia residents often head across the state line into Alabama to purchase fireworks, but Florida Division of the State Fire Marshal says that many of the fireworks available in Alabama are actually illegal in Florida.

The only fireworks products that are legal in Florida should bear the words “emits a fountain or shower of sparks”, according to the Fire Marshal’s office. Aerial devices — those that fly — are all illegal, as are fireworks that explode. The State Fire Marshal’s approved sparkler list can be found by clicking here.

The following fireworks safety tips are from Escambia County Fire Rescue:

• Observe local laws.
• The best way to enjoy fireworks is to visit public fireworks displays put on by professionals who know how to safely handle fireworks.
• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Parents should pay special attention to older children using sparklers and remember that sparklers can easily ignite clothing. Children should not touch the lit portion of sparklers, throw them or play games with them. Sparklers can be dangerous, if used improperly.
• Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
• Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks. Never shoot a firework at or near another person.
• Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
• Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned. Douse and soak them for at least 15 minutes with water and throw them away.
• Keep a bucket of water handy in case of a malfunction or fire.
• Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
• Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
• Store fireworks in a dry, cool place. Check instructions for special storage directions.
• Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting.
• Don’t experiment with homemade fireworks.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2005, fireworks caused an estimated 1,800 structure fires and 700 vehicle fires. In 2006, an estimated 9,200 people were treated for firework related injuries, with 49 percent of the injuries were to the extremities and 46 percent to the head.

Pictured above: Many people in North Escambia purchase fireworks at stands in Alabama, like this one in Flomaton. Many of the fireworks available at fireworks retailers in Alabama are actually illegal in Florida. NorthEscambia.com file photo.

Comments

10 Responses to “Many Alabama Fireworks Are Illegal In Florida”

  1. catlady on July 3rd, 2009 7:28 am

    Oh Lord, Help them all. YOU FIREWORK poppers WATCH OUT FOR MY CATS!!! thats all I have to say. But I do hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th of July.

  2. Me! on July 2nd, 2009 4:49 pm

    REMEMBER NOW!!!! I’M FROM THE GOVERNMENT AND I AM HERE TO HELP YOU!!

  3. EMD on July 2nd, 2009 2:04 pm

    This is NOT a stupid article. It is a truthful and caring one. When I was very young, I accidently grabbed the wrong end of a still hot sparkler and got a bad burn to my hand. Also, when quite young, my uncle and dad were shooting “Roman Candles in our front yard.” Across the road was a narrow creek which was very close to houses on the next street over. One of the “candles” tipped the wrong way, and set the folliage around the creek on fire. Not good, but memorable. I hope none of you dissenters get hurt or set any fires. That would be very expensive, and possible painful. Do I like fire works? Yes. of course. Have I ever used them where they were outlawed. Yes, but not in a long time. That still doesn’t mean this article is stupid. It just means it showed how humans are still in rebellion against authority. There is nothing new under the sun. Thank you, William, for being compassionate enough to tell the truth, even though it is not popular to do so. It never is, when it comes to things people really want to do.

  4. Molino Mom on July 2nd, 2009 1:38 pm

    JJ — we all know that Florida is not going to do anything about it. But don’t fault Northescambia for running it. It’s their job to inform the public. Hundreds of people around here will break the law this weekend. We all know that. I’ll blow up some good stuff here in Molino too. But Northescambia did their job to inform us. They get these stories from the fire departments and the sheriff’s department and do us a favor by passing them on.

    It’s not as stupid as one of the Penacola News Journal site right now “Fireworks will freak out your pets”:

    http://www.pnj.com/article/20090702/NEWS01/90702015

    We appreciate what Northesambia.com does for our communities. Not ever article is interesting to everyone, but that means they are covering a wide variety of stuff.

  5. JJ on July 2nd, 2009 1:13 pm

    This article is pretty non news worthy (like many articles on this site), unless law enforcement was stepping up efforts to catch people in Florida shooting illegal fireworks. However, that is not the case. You can get many Florida deputies to tell you, as long as everyone is safe and not disorderly, they won’t mess with you about it.

  6. Citizen on July 2nd, 2009 9:47 am

    LOL

  7. Bratt 1 on July 2nd, 2009 9:03 am

    Maybe we should legalize fireworks in Florida. WIth a little personal responsibility theres lots of enjoyment to be had. This is America you know.

  8. Avid fan of NorthEscambia on July 2nd, 2009 7:51 am

    K
    This is the second time in the last few days I see you write about stupid articles on NorthEscambia. If you feel that way, maybe you should find another website to get your news from.

  9. wonder on July 2nd, 2009 1:03 am

    As dry as it is will this effect the rural areas? I think they should be banned for personal use until it raines.

  10. K on July 2nd, 2009 12:34 am

    NO DUH! Why do you think people drive to another state for fireworks? Answer is: they drive there for the illegal fireworks. This is the stupidest article ever.