Bryan County Emergency Services Director Freddy Howell knows fireworks and the July Fourth holiday go hand in hand.
He just wants safety to be a part of that equation as well.
“We’re not opposed to fireworks, we want people to celebrate Independence Day,” he said. “But we also want them to be mindful of their surroundings, what they’re doing and who’s doing it.”
There’s good reason to be careful.
More fires are started nationally around July 4 than on any other day, and more are started by fireworks than any other cause, according to Georgia Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner Ralph Hudgens’ website.
The National Fire Protection Association states in a typical year two out of every five fires reported on July 4 are caused by fireworks.
In addition, the NFPA said fireworks caused an estimated 17,800 fires in 2011, including 1,200 structure fires and 400 vehicle fires. The fires were responsible for eight deaths, 40 injuries and $32 million in property damage in 2011.

Read full story in July 3 issue of Bryan County News.