LJWorld.com

Welcome to our online chat with Fire Marshal Rich Barr about fireworks.

The chat took place on Thursday, June 29, at 11:00 AM and is now closed, but you can read the full transcript on this page.

Moderator: Hello and welcome to our chat with Lawrence Fire Marshal Rich Barr, who's come down to the News Center today to talk about fireworks.

Rich thanks for coming in today.

Fire Marshal Rich Barr: You're are welcome.

Moderator: For starters, can you tell us what the city's rules and regulations are for what's legal to shoot off in Lawrence this year?

Fire Marshal Rich Barr: Yes, our primary goal is to ensure that all residents are aware of the rules. In the City of Lawrence, fireworks are illegal for possession, use and sale. However, novelty items NOT CLASSIFIED as fireworks are permitted. Those being snappers, party poppers, glow worms, snakes, sparklers , caps and some smoke devices.

Moderator: What about the county and some of the other cities within Douglas County? Are fireworks legal?

Fire Marshal Rich Barr: The County permits sale, use and possession of fireworks from July 2 through July 4. Baldwin, Eudora and Lecompton permit fireworks, mirroring the County times.

Moderator: We've had a long dry spell this month. Will that have any impact on the safety issues, including the novelty fireworks that are allowed? Can you give people any tips?

Fire Marshal Rich Barr: With the dry conditions, we expect that grass fires may be more prevalent. The Kansas Rangeland Fire Danger Index today is still low for Northeastern Kansas. That provides some comfort for firefighters.

We always recommend utilizing any device that emits flame or heat well away from combustibles. Houses, fences, dry grass, anything that could potentially catch fire during these hot conditions.

Moderator: Or their other reasons, besides the dangers of fire, that fireworks are a concern?

Fire Marshal Rich Barr: Yes, while fires are more publicized, injuries from fireworks is probably the greatest danger. Those injuries typically affect children, rather than adults and most likely injure eyes, head and face.

In addition, in densely populated areas, debris from spent fireworks cause environmental concerns. Cleanup costs associated with the debris is also a concern.

Moderator: What are the penalties? We often see people in town still shooting off fireworks?

Fire Marshal Rich Barr: The penalties for violating the ordinance are misdemeanors that result in fines ranging from $100 to $200 for each count. However fines are determined by the judicial system, these are the penalties recommended in the ordinance.

Moderator: If you have older fireworks that might be from years past, is it safe to shoot them?

Fire Marshal Rich Barr: We would recommend that fireworks that are not recently purchased be disposed of. The best method of disposal is to soak them in a container of water until the firework breaks apart. Some of the compounds used in fireworks are water soluble so they render them inert.

Moderator: If you don't have any property outside of town, are there any public places you can go to shoot fireworks in the county?

Fire Marshal Rich Barr: My understanding is that locations will be provided at Lone Star lake and Well's Overlook. Private property WITH THE OWNER'S PERMISSION is also legal. State and Federal property around Clinton Lake are off limits and fireworks are prohibited.

Roadways and public right-of-ways are also illegal to use fireworks on by State regulations

Moderator: Are most of the fireworks that are sold in the United States made here under strict regulations? What about those imported from other countries? Are they as safe?

Fire Marshal Rich Barr: Many fireworks are imported and are regulated in so far as the amounts of explosive used in their manufacture. However quality control is not regulated by this country so it is unknown how well they may be made.

Regulations for manufacturers of fireworks in the US again reflect quantities of explosive or flammable materials with regulation of quality performed by national pyrotechnics organizations.

One of the problems associated with consumer fireworks is that the quality sometimes causes misfires or erratic behavior. Thus making them unpredictable and more dangerous.

The professional pyrotechnics are much more predictable even though they are much more powerful. However these devices can be purchased and used only by certified pyrotechnicians such as those doing the annual JayCees display.

Mike: Topeka rescinded its fireworks ban. Why can't we? Isn't celebrating Fourth of July part of the cost of doing business for firefighters? Is it really that dangerous? Trains cause more grassfires than fireworks, don't they?

Fire Marshal Rich Barr: There really is no cost of doing business when it involves property loss and injury to something that is preventable. Particularly if those activities create a danger to citizens and firefighters.

Many times regulations are passed because of poor behaviors that have caused catastrophic or severe results.

If ALL children were supervised by adults while using fireworks, and if EVERYONE behaved appropriately while using them, then injuries would be reduced and fires associated with fireworks would be less frequent.

Isaac, Lawrence: How many people were charged for violating the ban last year?

Fire Marshal Rich Barr: I'm sorry, I do not have that information. The Lawrence Police Department issues the citations for violation. However I believe the number was not high.

Confiscation of the fireworks being used and possessed illegally is generally the most prevalent outcome.

Moderator: What are the most common types of accidents Lawrence-Douglas County Fire & Medical sees each year involving fireworks?

Fire Marshal Rich Barr: The most typical incident involving fireworks is grass fires. Periodically we have structure fires from fireworks sometimes with significant loss.

Most injuries do not require our response so people injured generally go to the Emergency Room, personnel physician on their own or treat the injury at home.

Moderator: That will be our final question. Rich, thanks for being with us today.

Fire Marshal Rich Barr: I appreciate the opportunity to answer questions, our goal is to ensure a safe holiday for everyone.

We believe that the best way to celebrate the 4th with fireworks in Lawrence is to attend the JayCees display at Burcham Park on the evening of the 4th.

If you plan to use fireworks please make sure they are legal in your area.

Again Thank you.