Practice caution this Independence Day - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports

Practice caution this Independence Day

Posted: Updated:
By Ashton Pellom - bio | email

  • More WALB News10 HeadlinesMore News Headlines

  • Thursday, June 20 2013 12:09 AM EDT2013-06-20 04:09:02 GMT
    The Albany Water Gas and light commission is preparing customers for a change that starts soon for those who pay with debit or credit cards.   WG&L leaders say the utility is paying $20,000 dollars a month
    The Albany Water Gas and light commission is preparing customers for a change that starts soon for those who pay with debit or credit cards.

  • Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:41 PM EDT2013-06-20 03:41:18 GMT
    An Albany man who was born when Woodrow Wilson was president celebrated his birthday today. Century Pines Assisted Living Center threw a party for resident Charles Walker who turned 101 today. Walker was
    An Albany man who was born when Woodrow Wilson was president celebrated his birthday today.

  • Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:34 PM EDT2013-06-20 03:34:54 GMT
    For years, the area right across the street from the RiverQuarium has been rundown, but that's changing. A couple of businesses are thriving there. The new art park is open, and a sidewalk improvement
    For years, the area right across the street from the RiverQuarium has been rundown, but that's changing.
    •   

The city of Albany is ready to celebrate the 4th of July, as always, with spectacular fireworks.

"All I can say is if John Adams could see us this weekend, he'd be very happy with what we got going on in Albany," said Albany Recreation and Parks Marketing Coordinator Kristin Caso.

But when it comes to celebrating at home, there are added risks this year because of the drought.

Fire Chief James Carswell says even a tiny spark from a sparkler could set a field ablaze.

"A sparkler burns at over 1,000 degrees. It's more than enough to ignite grass especially if it's dry and once it's ignited it spreads," said Carswell.

Chief Carswell even suggests forgoing fireworks because of the dry conditions, but if you do light fireworks, do it with extreme caution.

When using fireworks, officials say always stand at a safe distance. Douse the fireworks with water after you think they've burned out and parents should never let children light fireworks unsupervised.

"If you're going to use legal fireworks in Georgia, we ask there to be adult supervision present the entire time and there should be a water source. Whether it's a bucket of water or a garden hose, there should be some mean of water to amerce the device afterwards," said Carswell.

Chief Carswell says the people who start fires will be held accountable, even if it's an accident.

"If you start a fire, you are responsible for the damages of that fire. If you burn your neighbors barn down it's your responsibility to pay for it," said Carswell.

Those who choose to shoot illegal fireworks better watch their back because authorities will be out in higher numbers than usual.

"If we find out who's doing it we're going to press charges especially this year. It's too unsafe to set off fireworks as dry as it is," said Carswell.

Chief Carswell wants Albany to practice caution, especially in this dry holiday season.

Not all fireworks are legal in Georgia. Only the ones that stay on the ground and shoot fountain displays are legal. The type that rockets in the air is outlawed.

According to the national fire protection Association, Independence Day has far more U.S. fires reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for more than half of those fires.

Copyright 2011 WALB.  All rights reserved.