Fireworks retailer, firefighter urge safety during Fourth of July celebrations

HOLLAND, Mich. — As Ohioans prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July, fireworks stores across the state are fully stocked. But safety remains the top priority for both retailers and fire officials.

With legal items like sparklers, snaps and smoke bombs available to buy, experts are urging the public to use caution to prevent injuries and fires.

Brodie Youtzy, fireworks manager of Phantom Fireworks in Holland, says the store is seeing a surge in customers this year. But what stands out to him is the shift in shopper behavior.

“People wanting to be safe, people asking about safety before they even purchase,” Youtzy said. “Like, ‘How can I keep myself safe when shooting off fireworks?'”

Youtzy, who has worked in the fireworks industry for 14 years, offers straightforward advice: keep water nearby, use fireworks on flat surfaces and secure larger fireworks to prevent them from tipping or bouncing.

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“I tell people the best way is to have buckets of water nearby. If you’re using fountains, have flat surfaces, wet the grass a little. If you’re using our 200-gram repeaters, use bricks or something next to them so they don’t bounce around,” Youtzy explained.

Pvt. Sheldon Collins, spokesperson for the Toledo Fire & Rescue Department, said store-bought fireworks like sparklers can be dangerous, so use caution.

“Sparklers can reach up to 1,800 degrees, which is a temperature that can melt gold,” Collins said.

That extreme heat is enough to cause serious injuries and even damage protective firefighter gear.

“Every Fourth of July, we respond to injuries from fireworks, houses and structure fires, people burning their hands, people getting injured,” Collins said.

If you’re unsure about how to safely use fireworks, Youtzy said it’s as simple as just asking the professionals.

“Don’t be afraid to ask how to keep yourself safe,” he said. “Ask experts for the lowdown and just be smart and have fun with it.”