Before you light off fireworks this Fourth of July, keep this in mind
June 29, 2022
This paid piece is sponsored by Novak Sanitary Service.
It happens as predictably as the sun going down and the sky lighting up with fireworks on the Fourth of July.
Inevitably, someone will neglect to dispose of fireworks properly, creating huge hazards.
“There’s so much potential damage that can be caused to homes and businesses by incorrectly disposing of fireworks,” said Patrick Draisey, district manager for Novak Sanitary Service.
“We had at least one home fire in the area last year that involved throwing fireworks away and the garbage can catching fire next to the house, and then we had a few commercial dumpsters last year that were burned by people driving by and tossing them in.”
Sioux Falls Fire Rescue experiences the same thing, being called to multiple home and dumpster fires in any given year.
“Every year, Sioux Falls Fire Rescue responds to fires as a result of improper disposal of fireworks,” fire inspector Tyler Tjeersdma said. “It doesn’t take long before you have an active fire inside your garbage can, which can then lead to either your garage or your house.”
The department created this video to show what happens when fireworks recently set off are placed in a garbage can with ordinary combustibles:
And, if you happen to not have an issue yourself, live fireworks in your garbage container will create a hazard for your garbage hauler.
“We don’t want to see anyone get hurt from a potential fire,” Draisey said. “If we were to dump a can with fireworks not completely extinguished, it could cause a truck fire and put our team at risk.”
Here’s how Sioux Falls Fire Rescue recommends disposal:
- Soak by completely submerging your fireworks in a bucket of water, and allow them to soak overnight for at least five hours.
- Double wrap the soaked fireworks in plastic wrap or a plastic bag so they don’t dry out.
- Place the bags in with your regular household garbage.
“We wish everyone a happy July 4 and thank you for considering everyone’s safety when the fun is done!” Draisey said.
