4th of July Fireworks Safety Published June 29, 2018 By Airman 1st Class Jeremy Wolff 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Every year, most Americans celebrate Independence Day by firing up their grill, playing a sport and watching the fireworks. Some people consider fireworks the most exciting event during the Fourth of July. However, fireworks can be very dangerous in the hands of consumers. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission provided a study from 2017 that over 280 people went to the emergency room around the Fourth of July due to firework injuries and more than 53% of injuries were burns. “To limit and prevent those accidents from occurring, Mountain Home Air Force Base prohibits the use of fireworks,” said SSgt. Tyler Ford, 366th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter. Don’t fret yet! There are still many ways to celebrate the national holiday that includes watching those colorful and bright rockets blasting off into the sky. The city of Mountain Home will have it’s annual fireworks show on the 4th that can be viewed from the Desert Canyon golf course at dusk. Personal use of aerial style fireworks that launch into the air are illegal in the state of Idaho without a special permit. However if you do have fireworks that do not leave the ground and want to use them in a controlled environment, there will be a pad located at Legacy Park in Mountain Home open July 4-8. Regardless of where you celebrate your freedom, there are key things to remember when working with fireworks. “An adult should supervise all firework activity, obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks, keep a bucket of water and charged water hose ready, read the directions before igniting and remember that alcohol and fireworks do not mix,” said Tech. Sgt. Walter Johnson, 366th Fighter Wing occupational safety technician. “When individuals are dealing with any type of explosive, being fireworks or ammunition, the utmost caution must be utilized.” If you or anyone you know have any questions about firework use, contact the MHAFB Fire Department at 208-728-4597. Don’t become a statistic, stay safe Gunfighters!