Fire officials urge caution as Fourth of July fireworks celebrations begin

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY)–As Americans prepare to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, fire officials are reminding people that even popular consumer fireworks can cause serious injuries.

Fireworks with names like “All American,” “Old Glory,” and “Freedom” line the shelves at seasonal stands, including one in a Walmart parking lot on Sigmon Road. But while they’re a staple of many Fourth of July celebrations, experts say they should be handled with care.

A demonstration by the Chicago Fire Department shows just how quickly a single sparkler can ignite clothing. Although often considered one of the safest fireworks, sparklers can burn at temperatures of about 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Wilmington Deputy Fire Marshal Jon Mauney said people should keep a safe distance from anything that could catch fire.

“We want you to be a reasonable distance from structures, vehicles — and structures could also be fences,” Mauney said. “Also just be cognizant. Be thinking about what sort of brush is around you.”

For Ginger Peters, a sparkler accident turned a celebration into a life-threatening ordeal.

Peters said she was sitting down while holding a sparkler when it burned down to the remaining ash. Concerned about getting ash on her new dress, she tried to shake it off.

“I was actually seated holding my sparkler,” Peters said. “It got down to the little bit of ash that was left, and I saw the ash fall. I was thinking, ‘Oh, I don’t want ash on my new dress, so let me shake it off.’ When I did the shaking, my dress started to catch on fire.”

Peters suffered severe burns in the accident, which later led to lung failure. She said her condition became so critical that doctors were uncertain whether she would survive.

“There were multiple times where they were trying to figure out my funeral,” Peters said.

Now featured in a documentary produced by the State Fire Marshal’s Office, Peters hopes sharing her story will encourage others to take fireworks safety seriously.

If you chose to use fireworks make sure you have a water bucket and a fire extinguisher.

The Wilmington Fire Department says the safest thing to do, is come to the firework show at Riverfront Park on Saturday at 9 pm.