SCHENECTADY - In light of the upcoming Fourth of July celebrations, Schenectady’s Fire Chief, Donald Mareno, is making a passionate plea to city dwellers to refrain from using illegal fireworks. This is in an effort to minimize the risk of firework-induced fires.
Fireworks are strictly prohibited in Schenectady. Although the state permits the use of handheld sparklers, the Schenectady County Legislature decided in 2017 to exclude themselves from the state law that allows these devices.
Despite the prohibition, Mareno revealed that the city had a few close calls last year, with unauthorized fireworks almost igniting several fires.
“The popularity of fireworks seems to be increasing every year, and it’s a cause for concern,” Mareno expressed.
On the Fourth of July, 2022, the Schenectady Fire Department was called to three separate minor fires on Lang Street, Baker Avenue, and Van Vranken Avenue.
“The danger isn’t just the potential damage to homes. When you set off a large number of fireworks, you’re creating a lot of smoke,” Mareno explained. “This can cause problems for people in the vicinity who have respiratory conditions, potentially worsening their health issues. Additionally, there are various injuries that can result from using fireworks, including injuries to the hand, eye, or torso.”
As per the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks were the cause of approximately 31,302 fires across the country in 2022.
“It would be fantastic if we didn’t hear a single firework this Fourth of July,” Mareno said. “I don’t think that’s likely. I don’t believe it’s going to be controlled, but I hope it is, because there is a high potential for things to go wrong. You need to consider your neighbors and the people you live with.”
Over the July 4 weekend in 2023, Schenectady police arrested two residents for the illegal use of fireworks, with additional arrests made for noise violations due to loud music.
“The use of fireworks can be distressing for those with conditions like PTSD, potentially worsening their symptoms. And what about our pets?” Mareno said. “Many pets do not cope well with the noise and it can cause them distress. Dogs often bark because they are disturbed by the noise.”
Despite the proliferation of sparkler sales at supermarkets in the Capital Region, Mareno highlighted the dangers of these handheld fireworks, which emit sparks.
“A lit sparkler can reach temperatures of up to 1,200 degrees,” Mareno warned. “When you’re cooking food in your oven, you’re doing so at 350 degrees. So, a 1,200-degree sparkler can cause significant damage.”
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Agree – It’s important to listen to the experts and stay safe during the holiday festivities.
Disagree – Let people celebrate how they want, it’s a free country.
Disagree – People should be able to enjoy fireworks responsibly.
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