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Fire Officials Warn on the Dangers of Fireworks
Fire Officials Warn on the Dangers of Fireworks 12/31/12
Felicia Bolton
fbolton@cbs7.com
CBS 7 News Reporter
December 31, 2012
ECTOR COUNTY, TX – For many popping fireworks is a tradition to bring in the New Years with a bang. But fire officials stated firing firecrackers with the current weather conditions could cause serious damage.
Today west Texans are flocking to local firework shops to get their hands on firecrackers.
“It's been crazy today. People are probably going to get off of work and we’re just now getting ready for the night. It will be shoulder to shoulder in here,” said Tony Dennis, Manager "Mr. W's Fireworks".
Tony Dennis is one of many fireworks sellers in the area. But at his store, they’re selling for a special cause. The proceeds help kids go to a faith based summer camp.
"I've seen so many kids that don’t have the money to go to camp and those same kids that are out on the streets all year long. They're getting bad habits, doing drugs…stuff like that. Eventually they do one of these fire exchanges. All of the sudden they're like ‘I'll guess I'll do camp’; they go there and get completely turned around," said Aaron Dennis, 18-year-old fireworks seller.
Regardless of the benefits fireworks bring, local fire officials say the current weather conditions pose a threat when popping fire works.
"It wasn't enough with the sun and the winds today, it's had a chance to drive out again and everything is too dry," said Lt. Richard Pease, West Odessa Volunteer Fire Department.
Now firefighters are manning their station tonight, in anticipation keeping your fun under control.
Some fireworks safety tips include: watering the ground before firing fireworks, only use them in open areas and remaining at least 50 feet away from a building when using the firecrackers.