Document text
Four fireworks to watch (carefully) on the 4th The Fourth of July is a busy time for firefighters, who too often see fireworks fun turn into injuries or damaging fires. [Mail Tribune file photo] Monday Jun 26, 2017 at 12:01 AM Nick Morgan Mail Tribune @mtcrimebeat With fireworks stands up and open, people around Southern Oregon are gearing up for the Fourth. Jackson County Fire District No. 3 spokeswoman Ashley Blakely notes that, even with legal fireworks, people need to be smart. Firefighters are often particularly busy on July 4 and Blakely said there are several specific types of fireworks that commonly play a factor in the Independence Day calls for help.  Some may find it surprising, but most fireworks she brought to our attention aren't particularly big. That's because people often take the small, inexpensive fireworks and modify them — which Blakely says is not only a bad idea, but also against the law. "Modified fireworks are not legal," she said. State law prohibits bottle rockets, firecrackers, Roman candles and any fireworks that fly, explode or travel more than 6 feet on the ground or 12 inches in the air. Blakely advised fireworks users to follow the directions on the package, to set the fireworks on an open area away from vegetation that could ignite, to keep a bucket of water nearby and to submerge used fireworks in water for 15 minutes before disposing of them.