Officials from the Madison Fire Department and the Madison Police Department are focusing on enforcing the city ordinances regarding fireworks this holiday weekend. Teams of police officers and fire prevention officers will patrol neighborhoods to reduce the chances of personal injury and improve safety for all residents.

Under City of Madison ordinances only sparklers, snakes, snaps, caps and party poppers are legal within the City limits. Many communities bordering Madison have differing ordinances governing the use of fireworks, but the Roman candles, fountains, bottle rockets, firecrackers, and the like that are sold at nearby roadside stands are not permitted within the City.

Individuals found to be using fireworks in violation of City ordinances face fines ranging from $172 to $1000 plus court costs.

Residents are urged to attend one of the many public fireworks displays scheduled for this weekend. Public displays within the City of Madison must follow strict safety guidelines. Fire prevention officers review the fireworks set up and enforce the safety precautions required for public displays.

Leave the fireworks to the professionals this 4th of July holiday. Attend a public display where you can enjoy a spectacular show that is operated safely.

Facts About Fireworks:
o On Independence Day in a typical year, more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day; fireworks account for half of those fires.
o In 2006, fireworks caused an estimated 1,700 total structure fires and 600 vehicle fires
o These fires resulted in an estimated 6 civilian deaths, 60 civilian injuries and $34 million in direct property damage.
o In 2007, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,800 people for fireworks-related injuries.
o 42% of the people injured by fireworks were under the age of 15.
o The risk of fireworks injury was two-and-a-half times as high for children ages 5-9 or 10-14 as for the general population.
o Sparklers, fountains, and novelties alone accounted for 36% of the emergency room fireworks injuries in 2007.
o Fireworks are dangerous and should be handled only by trained, professional pyrotechnicians. Fireworks and sparklers are designed to explode or throw off showers of hot sparks. Temperatures may exceed 1200 degrees F.