Fireworks Safety Tips Offered by Louisiana State Fire Marshal Ahead of New Year Holiday

Louisiana – The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office (LASFM) announced that the final fireworks sales season of the year began this week, and they want to encourage all Louisiana citizens to not only be safe when using fireworks but also to be aware when purchasing them.

More than 500 retail fireworks licenses have been awarded for the end-of-year season, as it is state law for wholesale and retail fireworks business operators to be appropriately licensed by the LASFM in the parishes and municipalities where they are lawfully permitted. The sales season lasts through 11:59 p.m. on January 1.

The LASFM encourages families to watch public fireworks displays rather than creating their own. However, if purchasing fireworks is your desire, they suggest families check to see if the stand from which they are purchasing has been approved by the LASFM office. You can request permit information from any retail fireworks store you visit. The LASFM invites residents to report any questionable or illegal fireworks sales to 1-800-256-5452 or by visiting our website, LASFM.org.

Furthermore, LASFM wants everyone to enjoy fireworks in the safest way possible. Some of the most effective methods are:

• Detonating devices at least 200 feet away from structures, vehicles and rubbish
• Never allowing children to light fireworks
• Never operating fireworks while impaired
• Lighting devices one at a time and monitoring embers released with a bucket of water or hose nearby
• Discarding detonated items by wetting them down to prevent reignition and not disposing of them in a trash container immediately