Thoughts From the Sheriff

Summer is flying by and it is hard to believe that Independence Day is just around the corner. Fireworks and the 4th of July are synonymous. I often get asked questions regarding fireworks and general safety regarding them. I want to go over Minnesota law and safety tips for you and your family so your 4th of July celebration is a safe one.

 

 

First, Minnesota's laws regarding fireworks limit the type you can possess. Minnesota State Statutes 624.20 - 624.25 deal with fireworks. I would strongly suggest that you do your own research into fireworks and what you can possess and what you can't. You can find the statutes at https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/. I basically tell people that if it goes into the air or explodes, it is illegal in Minnesota. It is confusing for some people as you can purchase fireworks in border states and even on the Red Lake Reservation that are illegal in Minnesota. If you are caught with illegal fireworks, you can be fined and your fireworks sized by law enforcement.

 

Nationally, each year there are an average of 18,500 fires started by fireworks. If the weather conditions have made conditions dry, be very cautious using any type of fireworks. Even the legal fireworks burn at high temperatures and can start a fire relatively easily.

 

Sparklers are one of the most common legal fireworks you can possess in Minnesota, however, they account for more than 25% of emergency room visits involving fireworks. They burn at about 2,000 degrees and can cause severe burns or can ignite grass fires or fires in your home if they are used inside. You should never use fireworks indoors, but it does happen.

 

Be sure to always supervise children if they are using any type of fireworks. Do not allow young children to use fireworks of any kind as they do not understand how dangerous they can be. In fact, children under five years of age account for nearly half of all injuries.

 

If you are celebrating and consuming alcohol, do not combine fireworks if you are impaired. This combination can result in poor decisions and more likely that an accident will happen. I want you to have fun, but do so safely.

 

Be courteous to your neighbors and remember that not everyone likes fireworks. Some people have pets that become extremely scared with the sound of fireworks and may run off. Additionally, there are people that may suffer from PTSD and the sound of explosions can trigger their condition. Respect the fact that other people may not want to watch or listen to your personal fireworks celebration.

 

If you are in a public setting, use extreme caution. Many years ago, when I was working for the Bagley Police Department, we had people firing off bottle rockets in the city park. One of the bottle rockets landed on a tent and started it on fire. Luckily, no one was inside the tent so no one was hurt, but it was a good reminder how dangerous firework can be.

 

 

I encourage everyone to get out and celebrate our independence on July 4th, but please use caution and common sense. I hope you enjoy yourself and make good memories.

  

If you have questions that you would like answered or any suggestions, please email me at darin.halverson@co.clearwater.mn.us or call the Sheriff's Office at 218-694-6226.You can also find us on Facebook by searching for Clearwater County Sheriff’s Office.

 

Thank you and as always, I am honored to serve as your Clearwater County Sheriff.