LOUISVILLE, Ky. — It’s the Fourth of July today and while many will enjoy time with family and enjoy the festivities, the Louisville Fire Department is bracing as concerns for fires increase during the holiday and summer season.
What You Need To Know
- Louisville Fire Department says 4th of July marks an increase in fires and fire-related injuries because of firework usage
- LFD will work closely with the Louisville Metro Police Department to investigate illegal fireworks and arson
- The fire department urges anyone to call 502-574-7111 if they believe illegal fireworks are being set off
- According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, most of Kentucky is under either a D0 or D1 drought
Fire officials are urging residents to stay safe during Fourth of July, and are warning of fire dangers and injuries that can occur if residents aren’t safe.
Major Bobby Cooper serves as LFD’s battalion chief. He said Independence Day marks an increase of fire related calls because of fireworks. It also raises the concern with drought conditions in Kentucky.
“Our fire prevention bureau stays very busy the weeks leading up to the 4th of July and the weeks afterward,” said Cooper.
This time of year makes their department busier than most, specifically because Cooper said people will start using fireworks starting in July and continue into August.
“It’s the sparklers and the very small fireworks that cause the most damage,” said Cooper.
The damage of things like sparklers can not only cause bodily harm, but they could cause a fire if they land on grass or a home. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, most of Kentucky is under either a D0 drought qualification, which is considered abnormally dry, or a D1 drought qualification, which is considered a moderate drought.
Major Cooper said the smaller the firework, the larger the risk for a fire.
“Those sparklers burn at 1,200 to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s hot enough to melt glass, so you basically have what’s comparable to a blowtorch,” said Cooper.
For that reason, the LFD says special teams will be activated in larger numbers throughout the summer months, as firefighters predict increases in fires related to fireworks.
“Our fire prevention and our arson bureau work a little more time this year and they are a little bit more well staffed because our arson investigators may have more calls where fires took place,” said Cooper.
Major Cooper says if a fire is caused by a firework, arson teams will be deployed to investigate it.
The LFD urges people to remember to stop, drop and roll in the event of an emergency and, of course, also call 911. The department will work closely with the Louisville Metro Police Department to find any illegal fireworks today and throughout the holiday, summer.
Residents can call 502-574-7111 if they believe illegal fireworks are being used.