How to prevent a fireworks fire from starting at your home

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – Wichita Fire Department Lt. Cornelius Morgan says two of the most important things to remember when shooting off fireworks is proper disposal and not to point them at anyone or anything.

Lt. Morgan says to have a bucket of water and a fire extinguisher available in case a fire does ignite. He says dry conditions combined with carelessness can create a fire, so be aware.

Common mistakes when disposing of fireworks are thinking the flame and heat are gone when they are not.

“It's like when a person is barbequing, and they put the ashes inside a container that is flammable and put it on the balcony, and next thing you know, we're coming to visit,” Lt. Morgan said. “Fireworks are the same way. Just because it looks like it might be out doesn't mean it's out. Put water on it, put some sand on it, make sure it's out before you leave that firework, you go into the house.”

Residents can report nuisances, such as fireworks, parties and excessive noise, by calling the Sedgwick County Emergency Communications' non-emergency phone line at 316-290-1011 from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. through Saturday, July 6. The line is designed to take calls that do not involve a threat to life or property and allows dispatchers to focus on actual emergencies.