Know the rules for fireworks

By DAWN SLADE
Mille Lacs County Times
Posted 6/26/03

As the Fourth of July nears, residents will likely hear the sounds of booms and crackles while watching the sky light up with colored sparkles. And with the changes to the Minnesota statutes last year, even more fireworks are anticipated this season.

Fireworks are now available for purchase in all kinds of places - grocery stores, roadside stands, etc. But there are some that are not available to the general public.

Explosive and aerial fireworks, such as firecrackers, lady fingers, bottle rockets, roman candles, are still prohibited for public sale, possession and use.

And there are rules and regulations for those the general public can purchase, such as snakes and sparklers.

Purchasers must be 18 years of age and fireworks cannot be used on public property, such as schools, roads and government property.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety say fireworks are associated with many injuries each year and suggest the following safety guidelines:

€Read, understand and follow the instructions.

€Use with close adult supervision.

€Choose a safe place, outside, to use the fireworks - away from anything that could be damaged.

€Keep away from small children.

€Never ignite fireworks inside another container, such as a bottle, pipe, or can.

€Never relight malfunctioning fireworks.

€Do not carry fireworks in your pocket or on your person.

For more information, contact the State Fire Marshal Division at 651-215-0500 or visit its website at www.fire.state.mn.us.