Fire marshal warns of New Year’s fireworks

The Bexar County Fire Marshal's Office took to the grounds of its South Side office to demonstrate the harms of misusing fireworks and how to have a safe time with them this New Year's holiday.

Deputy Chief John Ortega began Wednesday's display by warning people about common dangers posed by consumer pyrotechnics.

These include short fuses that burn faster than users anticipate, cardboard that burns quicker in some parts than in others, and — most deceptive of all — fireworks that don't ignite properly.

As a reminder, using fireworks within San Antonio city limits is a

Class C misdemeanor that can carry a fine of up to $2,000.

If a firework is lit and does not go off as expected, leave it alone for 30 minutes before pouring water on it, Ortega said. Smoldering can still cause it to ignite at any time.

Jamie Johnson, owner of Pyrorific, a professional fireworks company, warned people not to look directly inside the barrel of a mortar. Instead, use a mirror with an extendable handle to check inside.

Packages used to contain and aim fireworks, such as a cardboard mortar barrel, should be doused with water. Firefighters said users must keep a 5-gallon bucket of water nearby.

Packaging should also be watered down before throwing it in the trash.

Ortega said firefighters start seeing more calls for house fires on New Year's Day between 2 and 3 a.m., after people throw away debris from exploded fireworks and bring their trash cans into the garage.

The smoldering cardboard can start a fire that goes unseen and has plenty of time to spread.

“It's such a common occurrence. You can almost set your clock by it,” Ortega said. “Everybody puts it in the trash can and goes to sleep.”

Children should be supervised when using fireworks, including basic sparklers.

The popular display may seem small, but those flashes are more than 2,000 degrees. They are often the cause of rushing children to the hospital with severe burns, officials warn.

Fire Marshal Chris Lopez said another danger is posed by smoldering bits of exploded fireworks that rain down where people don't expect.

As people start buying fireworks from stands and using them in the county, the Fire Marshal's Office sees a noticeable increase in 911 calls for grass, tree and brush fires, Lopez said.

From July 2-5, the Fire Marshal's Office received more than 120 calls related to fireworks.

The remains can land in heavy brush that contains dead grass underneath, perfect kindling for a grass fire when combined with wind and dry air.

It is illegal to use fireworks within 600 feet of a school, university, hospital or county office without permission.

Ortega said depending on the circumstances, people may face felony charges if they intentionally hurt someone with fireworks.

A nonemergency fireworks hotline is open that people may use to report illegal use at 210-335FIRE (3473). People may also call if they see fireworks being sold illegally out of a house or vehicle.

Within city limits, people who see fireworks used recklessly may call the nonemergency number at 210-207-7273.

People injured by fireworks should call 911.