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<< News & Events index
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Eleven Year Old Boy Injured While
Playing with Illegal Fireworks
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June 20, 2011
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For more information, contact:
Neal Olson, Operation Chief/PIO |
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Contact: Neal Olson,
Operation Chief/PIO
On Thursday, June 16, 2011, Polk
County Fire District No. 1 emergency
units were dispatched to a report of
an eleven (11) year old male that
had a firecracker go off in his
hand. Arriving Paramedics found the
visibly shaken and injured boy on
his front porch being cared for by a
neighbor with substantial burns and
abrasions to the left hand and
fingers.
In interviewing the boy, it was
determined that he had found a
single firecracker in his home, lit
it with the kitchen stove, and while
attempting to throw the firecracker,
it exploded in his hand, causing the
injury.
“This young man was very lucky,”
stated Fire Marshal Jeff Donahue.
“The injuries to his hand, though
painful, are not that severe and
will heal with some time. In many
incidences like this, we see missing
fingers and deep burns that require
surgery to repair.”
“I can’t stress enough, especially
with the 4th of July right around
the corner, do not buy or use
illegal fireworks,” continued Fire
Marshal Donahue. “Even the Safe and
Sane labeled fireworks that can be
bought at our local retail outlets
require safe practices and adult
supervision. Sparklers and fireworks
designed to throw off showers of
sparks can easily exceed 1200
degrees.”
According to the National Fire
Protection Association, nationally
in 2009, fireworks caused an
estimated 18,000 reported fires,
including 1,300 structure fires, 400
vehicle fires, and 16,300 outside
and other fires. These fires
resulted in 30 civilian injuries and
$38 million in direct property
damage. Also, in 2009, U.S. hospital
emergency rooms treated an estimated
8,800 people for fireworks related
injuries; the majority of these
injuries are to the hands and
fingers.
“The best word of advice,” says Fire
Marshal Donahue, “leave the
fireworks to the professionals, and
enjoy the great public displays over
the 4th, especially here during our
Independence Days event.”
The injured boy was treated on the
scene by paramedics and released to
his father who was transporting him
to the hospital for further
evaluation and treatment. No
citations were issued for possession
of the illegal firework.
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