The Fourth of July may look a little different this year with fewer public events, but the Crookston Police Department (CPD) and Crookston Fire Department (CFD) messages are the same. Fireworks are dangerous.
Everyone wants to celebrate our great country this year, but it is essential to know the rules and regulations if you’re going to use fireworks. Lieutenant Darin Selzler gave some insight on things to keep in mind this Fourth of July. “Basically, if a firework goes “BANG” or flies, it’s against the law in Minnesota,” said Selzler. He also noted a list of fireworks you can celebrate with if you choose to do so, but precautions should be taken. “Things like sparklers, little snappers, the ground spinners, things like that are all perfectly legal and can be celebrated with.”
All rules and regulations are under Minnesota state law and are meant to help protect against injury or even death. Selzler also mentioned how important it is to be extra careful this year with how dry its’ been. “It’s been a super dry year, and there are state-wide fire dangers and burn restrictions,” said Selzler. “Unfortunately, Polk County is in a really high fire danger rating, so we just need to make sure we’re taking extra precautions this year.”
One of the ways you can take extra precautions this year is by making sure children are always supervised, as they are the ones who are injured the most yearly from fireworks. “Kids are the ones who are most interested and intrigued with fireworks, obviously,” said Selzler. “So, we want to make sure they’re supervised by their parents and also that the directions on the fireworks are read before use so that we understand how those work.”
There are also other alternatives to celebrating this year without the use of fireworks. Firefighter Jim Perreault of the CFD says there are many different options available. “There are a few alternatives to celebrate and still be safer,” said Perreault. “Using glow sticks, maybe some homemade noisemakers, if possible, those are both great alternatives. If you’re going to use fireworks, make sure you have a garden house or bucket of water nearby.”
Perreault also made mention of the dry season and how it could potentially be more dangerous this year. He also offered up a few things to keep in mind. “With how dry it’s been and the little bit of rain that we have gotten, I would strongly restrict the use of fireworks, if possible,” said Perreault. “Any small spark that flies into the neighbor’s yard or off into the distance could spark something up.”
The CFD wants to wish you a happy Fourth of July and remind you to leave the fireworks to the professionals. Likewise, the CPD also wants to wish you a happy Fourth of July and remind you to be safe and know the law if you choose to participate in the use of fireworks.
