The Silver Lake Volunteer Fire Department is ready to respond to calls this Independence Day but hope to keep fireworks related incidents down. The department consists of Damon Prater (left), John Conley, Jadon Eichelberger, Joey McNeal, Cody Bixler, Addison Allen, Austin Cook, Eric Williams, Mike Weller, Kyle Martin, Jacob Baker, Lindsey Brouyette and Eric Shankster. Photo provided by John Conley.

By Nathan Pace
InkFreeNews

The sounds, sights and scents of fireworks are about to hit your neighborhood and one area fire department is sharing how to stay safe.

John Conley is the fire chief of the Silver Lake Volunteer Fire Department and has seen the trouble fireworks can cause if not monitored properly.

“I have seen with dry conditions two roofs start burning after some landed on them, and we got them put out before having to call,” Conley said. “I have seen a couple of wildfires start by them, and we were also able to get them out.”

While Conley said he has yet to see fireworks start a fire the department could not contain, he encourages safety to prevent Kosciusko County residents from becoming one of the 6,400 people nationwide treated for fireworks-related injuries each summer. Of those injuries, 30 percent are them are children younger than 15.

Conley cites the Indiana Department of Homeland Security for his main tips for firework safety.

His first piece of advice is to only light one firework at a time and never attempt to relight or fix a dud firework. Another high priority tip is to not make or alter any fireworks. Also, prevent young children from handling fireworks.

For those with pets, Conley advises them to keep pets indoors and create an area where the pets cannot see or hear the fireworks. For some pets, buying medication from a veterinarian to calm the pet should be considered.

Conley does not want to see any fires start in the trash and encourages residents to douse the firework in water after it has finished burning.

Other tips include:

• Always have a fire extinguisher or water supply, such as a hose or bucket of water, nearby.

• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

• Never smoke or consume alcohol when lighting fireworks.

• Do not hold lit fireworks in your hands, and do not point or throw fireworks at others.

• Use extreme caution when lighting fireworks in the wind. Keep spectators where the wind is blowing smoke and debris away from them.

In case of windy conditions, Conley suggests caution. The wind could blow a burning spark and set another area on fire.

Items to have on hand for backyard fireworks are a fire extinguisher, water supply, hose or bucket of water nearby in case of a fire.

The state permits fireworks to be free from local ordinances from Saturday, June 29 to Tuesday, July 9. On those days, fireworks are allowed from 5 p.m. to two hours after sunset. Thursday, July 4, has the longest hours from 10 a.m. to midnight.

The Silver Lake Volunteer Fire Department consists of 13 people: Conley, Addison Allen, Jacob Bake, Cody Bixler, Lindsey Brouyette, Austin Cook, Jadon Eichelberger, Kyle Martin, Joey McNeal, Damon Prater, Eric Shankster, Mike Weller and Eric Williams.