News Flash

Fireworks by the numbers

• Fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires per year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 16,900 outside and other fires. These fires caused an average of three deaths, 40 civilian injuries, and an average of $43 million in direct property damage.  
• In 2015, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 11,900 people for fireworks related injuries; 51% of those injuries were to the extremities and 41% were to the head. Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for one-quarter (26%) of the estimated 2015 injuries. These injury estimates were obtained or derived from the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2015 Fireworks Annual Report by Yongling

What Days & Times Can Fireworks Be Used?

• On any day beginning at 10:00 A.M. then up to and including the ending time of 11:59 P.M.
• On January 1 of each year beginning at 12:00 Midnight then up to and including the ending time of 1:00 A.M.

What Locations Are Prohibited?

• Fireworks cannot be ignited from the roadway or any public rights of way
• Fireworks cannot be used in any park, historic sites, recreational areas, or any other property owned by or operated by, for, or under the custody of a governing authority of a county or municipality, except pursuant to a special use permit.
• Firework use is prohibited within 100 yards of the following.
  • Hospitals, Nursing Homes, or other regulated healthcare facilities
  • Any public or private electric substation.
  • Electric Plant
  • Facility engaged in the production, refining, processing, or blending of any flammable or combustible liquids or gases.
  • Facility engaged in the retail sale of gasoline or other flammable or combustible liquids or gases where the volume stored is in excess of 500 gallons.
  • Waste-Water Treatment Plant
  • Water Treatment Plant
  • Airport/Heliport

Public Displays

• View the State Fire Marshal's Bulletin regarding public displays
• Any exhibition/display, other than personal use on private property, contracted or advertised shall constitute a public display, and is subject to the above bulletin from the State Fire Marshal's Office
• Public exhibitions/displays of fireworks require a permit from the Cobb Probate Court

Follow these safety tips to prevent injuries from fireworks:

• Fireworks should only be used outdoors.
•  Always have water ready, both in a bucket and in a charged hose, if you are using fireworks.
• Have a Designated Shooter for the fireworks and make sure he/she reads the caution label before igniting.
• Wear eye protection (safety glasses) whenever using fireworks.
• Only light one firework at a time.
• Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Used fireworks should be soaked with water and placed in a nonflammable trash can outside; several feet away from a house, garage, deck area or anything else flammable.
• Do not use homemade fireworks, professional fireworks or illegal explosives; they can kill you!
• Alcohol/drugs and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
• Young children should never be allowed to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Always closely supervise children when fireworks are being used. Young children can be injured even by sparkles when not properly supervised. Sparklers caused more than 40% of ALL injuries due to fireworks.
• Parents and caretakers should always closely supervise teens if they are using fireworks.
• Always place fireworks on the ground and light the fuse at an arms length and immediately get to a safe distance to observe.
• Point fireworks away from homes, and keep away from brush, leaves and flammable substances.
• Light fireworks one at a time.
• Never try to pick and move an already lit firework.
• Do not hold a firework in your hand unless specifically stated in the caution label.
• Never try to re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks.
• Never point or throw a firework at a person’s body or feet.
• Always have water or a fire extinguisher nearby.
• Never carry fireworks inside a pocket.
• Never shoot fireworks into glass or metal containers.
• After the fireworks have completed burning, douse any fireworks material on the ground with plenty of water before discarding it.

The safest way to protect your family is to not use any fireworks at home. Instead, attend public fireworks displays and leave the lighting to the professionals.