Colorado and Aurora lawmakers have a lot on their hands these days, but the state’s and city’s ridiculous ban on fireworks has got to go.
I know, I know. The state’s virtually on fire right now. The metro area is tinder-dry. And a misplaced bottle rocket could easily make a black patch out of a few Aurora parks. So could one cigarette or a bolt of lightning. But here’s the reality folks: Millions of people buy and light fireworks each year, and they’re going to keep right on doing it. Fireworks have been around longer than most religions, and to some, the rockets’ red glare almost is a religion.
Since I was old enough to “ooh” and “aah,” I’ve been fascinated by colorful pyrotechnics against the dark sky.
I’m not alone. The American Pyrotechnics Association reports that the consumption of “consumer” fireworks has skyrocketed. Americans lit 102 million pounds of backyard fireworks in 2000. That number grew to 212 million pounds last year. At the same time, the amount of “professional” display fireworks set off in the United States has fallen from 50.6 million pounds to 22 million pounds over that same time.
America still loves its snap, crackle and pop. I know, I know. Fireworks are dangerous. I hear all the same stories you do each year about small children blowing their fingers off and going blind because a pop-bottle rocket goes off in their face. A good friend of mine became the fastest typist with nine fingers after losing his index digit to an M-80 when he was a young man. There really are tragic things that happen because people are careless with what are really very dangerous, exploding devices. But there are really tragic things that happen to people every day because they woke up and lived their lives like they always do.
The Centers for Disease Control reports that in 2010, three people died and 8,600 people were treated at emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries. Of those injuries, almost all of them were caused by either firecrackers or some kind of aerial rocket — all of which are illegal in Colorado.
I know it all sounds bad, but put that in perspective of the millions of people who light fireworks each year. And look how many people are hurt by things that seem far more innocuous than Roman candles.
In 2008, more than 200,000 children were so badly injured on American playgrounds, they required treatment at emergency rooms. Another 150 children died from playground injuries. There are countless more who get bandaged up at home or later at the doctor’s office. In 2009, almost 4,000 people drowned accidentally, either in their own home or at a pool or lake.
Want more? There were 4.7 million reported dog bites in the United States in 2008, 800,000 of which required medical attention. You can only guess how many more bites went unreported. Of the list of injuries that sends Americans to the emergency room every year, of which 180,000 die from their accidents, fireworks is virtually nonexistent.
Still, we don’t ban playgrounds, bathtubs or dogs, despite the fact there are very real dangers involved with each of them. Instead, the government intervenes to ensure that playground equipment is as safe as we can make it, and that parents and teachers know it’s important to ensure children on playgrounds are properly supervised. Still, we know kids are still going to be hurt on playgrounds every year, a couple hundred thousand of them, and a couple of hundred will die.
And I know that fireworks injuries are only part of the dread firefighters and others have about the Fourth of July season. Each year, Dumpster fires, weed fires and others really do make life miserable for Aurora firefighters. But so, too, do careless drivers, distracted cooks in the kitchen and kids who stick their tongues onto frozen flag poles.
I agree that pop-bottle rockets and the whole wild-Wyoming class of pyrotechnics have no business in crowded cities. And I have no problem with police and firefighters doing even more to crack down on people who use them, especially those who use them carelessly.
Truly, some of the most dangerous things I do each year is make apricot jam, point out when my wife has PMS, drive in France, ski off crazy places at 14,000 feet and pick my own mushrooms. I’m OK with lighting a Silver Tower of Jewels and getting away as fast as I can. Life is a dangerous proposition. The good life, even more so.
Reach editor Dave Perry at 303-750-7555 or dperry@aurorasentinel.com
First, I want to say I enjoyed reading your opinion even if one has to disagree with parts it.
I personally know of a few people who have had to evacuate due to the numerous wildfires in our state. Fortunately, it doesn’t look like they will lose their homes. I understand that the 4th of July is holiday in which many choose to use fireworks to celebrate. But I think restraint and the exploration of safer alternatives are necessary. I’d really hate to see someone’s home or part of a park burned (to the ground or otherwise) just because a person chooses to use fireworks. The wildfires have made me think twice about fireworks. I hope others do the same.
Every time I read something you wrote, I’m irritated, but, perhaps that’s what you’re going for with your comments.
“the states on fire, but we should get rid of the ban on fireworks’ What in the world common sense does that make to you Dave? Maybe your thinking is that’ if it’s burning already, let’s pour gasoline on it to really make it blaze’ is that it? Or perhaps it’s ‘hey the states mostly on fire now, we shouldn’t lose the opportunity to add to the destruction by selling fireworks’.
You make absolutely no sense at all, except for the old adage, ‘anything, anywhere, anytime’.
It’s a matter of respect, principle, and doing the right thing. Are you living in some 2’x2′ square in Colorado that’s somehow immune to drought and fire? Your ignorance is mind-blowing. The Fourth of July is about Freedom. Not about fireworks.
BTW, just to straighen you out on one ‘point’ you made, ‘we don’t ban dogs’ Well, sure we do Dave. Pit bulls, recall?
I am very pleased there will be no fireworks this year….A spark blown by wind current could land on a roof thus causing a house fire, and since many of the homes are very close to one another there is a potential for several structures to burn. While there are many things that cause fires or injuries common sense could prevent some of them. Thus in my very humble opinion the common sense of cancelling the fireworks is a very wise move..
Others touched on the fire danger, but every year and with increasing loud explosions, dogs and cats are terrorized for long time, even jumping fences and cowering in buildings or houses. Most heinous though is with military experiencing bombing and explosions destroying limbs and causing PTSD or brain trauma, even a dropped object can cause them pain and fear. And I would ask if you watched cable news today (3 July) when Sgt Travis Mills was exercising to be able to participate with his family. Lost all 4 limbs in defending and serving our country. Would you add to his problems? If you love fireworks so much, why did you not enlist and you could enjoy all the explosions you crave.