Fire department warns of firecracker dangers

This New Year’s Eve will be the second on Oahu under a ban on all fireworks except firecrackers, but the Hono­lulu Fire Department is still urging residents to be careful.

"When you have firecrackers, that’s a lot of uncontrolled ignition sources if people aren’t careful," Fire Capt. Terry Seelig said Monday, "so we’re always concerned when they’re being used."

According to the state Department of Health’s Injury Prevention and Control Program, fireworks-related injuries on Oahu during last year’s New Year’s celebration were down to 15 from 79 the year before, the lowest since the state began collecting the data in 2000. Most injuries occurred when people held or set off fireworks.

Seelig said the department believes "the new ordinance contributed significantly to the reduction of injuries" and hopes the rate declines even more.

"I think that perhaps people have realized that celebrating with firecrackers needs prudence and are being more careful and maybe a little more restrained," he said. "We’re hoping that however they celebrate, they do it safely and with consideration for their neighbors and friends."

Last year 22 of 54 fire calls were for probable fireworks-related fires, compared with 36 out of 81 the year before, HFD said.

On Oahu it is illegal to purchase or use fireworks such as fountains, sparklers and other novelty fireworks under a change to Hono­lulu’s fireworks ordinance in 2010 that went into effect Jan. 2, 2011.

Firecrackers can still be purchased with a permit, but no one under 18 years old may use them, even with adult supervision.

Permit sales this year, which ended Friday, are down about 1 percent at 8,564, from 8,656 last year, Seelig said.

Permits cost $25 each and allow the bearer to purchase up to 5,000 individual firecrackers. There is no limit on the number of permits a person may buy.

Firecrackers go on sale today through New Year’s Eve at local retailers and may be set off between 9 p.m. New Year’s Eve and 1 a.m. New Year’s Day.

On the neighbor islands, novelty fireworks are still legal and can be purchased without a permit, but like Oahu, the purchase of firecrackers requires a $25 permit that allows for the purchase of up to 5,000 individual firecrackers.

The Associated Press reported Monday that the Maui County Fire Department is warning fireworks users to be extra careful this New Year’s because of the potential for wildfires given persistent drought conditions on the island.

On Hawaii island, Battalion Chief Gantry Andrade of the island’s Fire Prevention Bureau said, "It’s always dry around Wai­ko­loa and the Kau side, so that’s always a concern. Those are the areas we really need to watch out for."

On Kauai, New Year’s Eve is the last day for Kauai residents to obtain a firecracker permit, according to a news release Monday. Capt. Daryl Date of the Kauai County Fire Prevention Bureau advises fireworks users to exercise caution, follow all fireworks instructions and supervise children playing with fireworks.