OLYMPIA - The state Fire Marshal's Office reminds people to be careful when using fireworks.
     There were 785 fireworks-related injuries and fires reported to the Fire Marshal's Office in 2008 by fire departments and hospitals. They included 518 fires and 267 injuries.
     The majority occurred on July 4, and most incidents were cause by boys 8-14, the office reported.
     Incidents of greatest concern to the office were:
     - 20 commercial fires totaling $20,000 in loss. Six were caused by illegal devices, two were caused by legal devices and 12 were caused by an unknown type of firework device.
     - 36 school fires that totaled more than $8 million in losses were reported over a three-year period, 2006-2008.
     - 35 fires and 106 injuries caused by devices that are illegal to own or possess in Washington.
     - 22 sparkler bomb incidents that included 12 fires/explosions and 10 injuries to faces and hands, including critical injuries transported to Harborview Medical Center.
     Such devices are considered improvised explosive devices, the office noted. Injuries from one included metal puncture wounds with burning from the hot metal, burns and tearing to the hands and trauma to the face, chest and legs.
     Supervision of kids 14 and under is critical in reducing emergency responses to fireworks incidents, according to the Fire Marshal's Office.
     "Talk to your kids about fireworks and safety," officials said. "Set family boundaries. Only adults should light fireworks. Store fireworks in a secure location out of the reach and sight of curious children. Personal fireworks require personal responsibility."
     People using fireworks are urged by the office to remember the three B's of fireworks safety:
     - Be prepared. Have water nearby and put pets indoors.
     - Be safe. Only adults should light fireworks.
     - Be responsible. Clean up fireworks debris.
     More information about fireworks safety, public fireworks displays and fireworks law are at www.wsp.wa.gov/fire/fireworks.htm.


- Prepared by Omak Chronicle staff