rap #113 06/23/09
HAVE A SAFE JULY 4TH WEEKEND BY SAYING NO TO ILLEGAL FIREWORKS
THEY LOOK LIKE toys, wrapped in colorful paper with names like Conehead, Funky Fish and Rambo Kid.
But hidden beneath the advertising is a powerful explosive, with the ability to injure and burn even the most careful
user.
County officials joined with representatives from the Brick Township Police Department and Brick Bureau of Fire
Prevention to demonstrate the dangers of illegal fireworks.
In the safety of the Brick Township Fire Training Center, fire officials lit and exploded some of the commonly
available illegal fireworks.
“The explosive power of these devices is astounding,” said Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari. “These are not ‘toys’ in any
definition of the word.”
Vicari and a groups of local officials and law enforcement officers looked on from a safe distance while Brick
firefighters in full gear carefully lit several explosives and then cleared away fast before the fireworks exploded.
“We’re not here offering safety tips on how to use fireworks,” Vicari said “We’re here to tell you that fireworks
are illegal and anyone caught with them during the holiday, or anytime, will face criminal charges.”
According to federal statistics, fireworks injure nearly 10,000 people every year throughout the United States. The
vast majority of those injuries occur during the two weeks leading up to and following July 4th.
“If you attempt to use these illegal devices, you are going to get hurt,” Vicari said. “Even a sparkler burns at
nearly 1,000 degrees.”
In New Jersey, it is illegal to sell or use any type of fireworks, said Ocean County Prosecutor Marlene Lynch Ford.
Possession of fireworks is a petty disorderly persons offense, but possession with the intent to sell is a
fourth-degree offense, with a possible maximum penalty of 18 months imprisonment and fines up to $10,000.
“The only fireworks that are legal in New Jersey are those used in shows under the control of licensed professionals,”
Ford said.
Kevin Batzel, chief of the Brick Bureau of Fire Prevention, warned that not only do illegal fireworks pack a powerful
punch, but they are notoriously unpredictable.
“You may have to light a fuse several times before it actually ignites,” he said. “People are often injured when the
fireworks explode unexpectedly due to a faulty fuse.”
Brick Township Police Captain John Rein said his officers would be responding to fireworks complaints.
“Besides the danger of bodily harm, we’ve had reports of fireworks shot onto roofs or into the woods where they can
start fires,” Rein said.
Rein advised residents to avoid the physical harm, as well as the legal ramifications of illegal fireworks, by
instead enjoying a professional fireworks display.
Vicari said there will be many opportunities to enjoy fireworks safely this Independence Day.
“Many of our towns will be hosting shows throughout the weekend,” he said.
Brick Township Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis said the township is hosting one of the holiday’s first fireworks display
following the Summerfest concert at Windward Beach at 9 pm on Thursday, July 2.
“We invite everyone to celebrate this fantastic weekend and wish our great nation a happy birthday by joining us for
fireworks,” Acropolis said.
A listing of professional fireworks shows for the entire county is posted on the Ocean County homepage at www.co.ocean.nj.us.
“The best way to have a safe and happy July 4th is to leave the fireworks to the experts,” Vicari said.
