Firefighters Union: Even Sparklers Can Be Dangerous

A spokesman for the union which represents local firefighters wants people to know even the few fireworks items which are legal in Cheyenne city limits can be dangerous if they aren't handled properly.

Derek Pollnow is spokesman for  the International Association of Firefighters local 279. He is reminding people that most fireworks, including items such as firecrackers, roman candles, bottle rockets and other exploding devices are banned by city ordinance inside the city limits of Cheyenne.

While sparklers, smoke devices and some novelty items such as black snakes are legal, Pollnow says even those items are potentially dangerous if not properly handled. Pollnow says sparklers, for example. burn at over 1,200 degrees and can cause injuries or start fires if improperly handled.

Pollnow says children shouldn't handle any fireworks--even sparklers--without some sort of adult supervision. He says nationally fireworks caused around 12,000 injuries in 2014, with 40 percent of those injured under the age of 15. For local resident Pollnow also says people shouldn't hesitate to call 9-1-1 for emergencies even if they question whether the situation is serious.

He's also reminding Cheyenne residents about the free fireworks show on July 4th at Frontier Park, with the gates opening at 5:30 pm. That show is presented by Cheyenne Frontier Days and the city of Cheyenne.