Fire / Rescue Services
Fire & Life Safety Education Tip
William C. Daywalt Jr.
Deputy Fire Marshal
175 West Valley Forge Road
King of Prussia, PA. 19406
Office: 610-205-8554
Fax:
610-265-8467
Email: [email protected]
Fireworks Safety
The Fourth of July traditionally presents the biggest fire danger to citizens and is
the cause of a great number of fires and burn injuries due to fireworks.
Fireworks include devices which make a visible or audible effect when set off.
Fires are caused by careless handling of fireworks in areas exposed to sparks or
live fireworks.
Nationally, more than $36 million in property is damaged each year due to
fireworks.
The Fourth of July also is responsible for many burn injuries associated with
premature detonation or misuse of fireworks. Most fireworks burn injuries involve
children. These are usually burns to the hands and eyes causing vision
impairment and disfiguring scars. Sparklers are the biggest danger to children. A
tip temperature at the end of the sparkler reaches 1800 degrees Fahrenheit and
can easily cause a burn.
Leave fireworks to the professionals.
Restrictions on fireworks are for a good cause. No matter how small or large
fireworks may be, it is a potential fire starter. But it is still possible to celebrate
and enjoy the holiday. Families can consult the newspaper or local activity
calendar and attend one of several approved, licensed fireworks displays.
PROCEED WITH CAUTION!

Again, leave fireworks to the professionals. Do not use consumer
fireworks.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted
by trained professionals.

After the firework display, children should never pick up fireworks that
may be left over, they may still be active.

Each July Fourth, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are
injured while using consumer fireworks.

The risk of fireworks injury is highest for children ages 5–14.

More than 80% of emergency room fireworks injuries involve fireworks
consumers are permitted to use.
FACTS
Consumer fireworks include sparklers and firecrackers. The tip of
a sparkler burns at a temperature of more than 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, which
is hot enough to cause third-degree burns.
 1,200 Degree Fahrenheit – Sparkler Burns
 900 Degree Fahrenheit – Glass Melts
 575 Degree Fahrenheit – Wood Burns
 350 Degree Fahrenheit – Cakes Bake
 212 Degree Fahrenheit – Water Boils
If you need any additional information contact the
Upper Merion Township Fire Marshal’s Office or visit
Upper Merion Township’s website www.umtownship.org.
Want to Volunteer?
The Upper Merion Township Fire and Rescue Services is actively seeking volunteers
to join their departments to serve our community.
If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a volunteer member of the
fire department or ambulance squad, please contact:
King of Prussia Volunteer Fire Company - Call 610-265-1063
Lafayette Ambulance Squad – Call 610-992-0399
Swedeland Volunteer Fire Company –Call 610-275-0177
Swedesburg Volunteer Fire Company – Call 610-279-3270