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Using Fourth fireworks requires extreme caution to prevent injuries, fires, state commissioner says Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John W. Oxendine is urging citizens to use extreme caution to avoid injuries and fires when using fireworks during the Fourth of July holiday. Sparklers and similar non-explosive fireworks are now legal in Georgia. "Even legal fireworks should only be used with close adult supervision," Oxendine said. "Especially this year, with drought conditions making wildfiresa serious possibility." The law states that the definition of prohibited fireworks shall not include: "Wire or wood sparklers of 100 grams or less of mixture per item; other sparkling items which are non-explosive and nonaerial and contain 75 grams or less of chemical compound per tube or a total of 200 grams or less for multiple tubes; snake and glow worms; trick noise makers which include paper streamers, party poppers, string poppers, snappers, and drop pops each consisting of 0.25 grains or less of explosive mixture." The Commissioner said sparklers can burn at temperatures as high as 1800 degrees, and must be used properly and with adult supervision. "Approximately 7,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms every year for fireworks-related injuries," Oxendine said, "and most of those incidents involve children." He added that in a typical year, two-thirds to three-fourths of all fireworks injuries occur during the four-week period surrounding Independence Day. On the Fourth of July itself, fireworks usually start more fires nationwide than all other causes combined.
The sale and use of most types of fireworks, including firecrackers, skyrockets, and cherry bombs, is still illegal in Georgia and punishable by a maximum fineof up to $1,000 and up to one year in jail.
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