As the celebration of American independence approaches, Manitowoc’s fire chief has some words of caution for amateur fireworks technicians.
For starters, Chief Tod Blaser noted that there are some types of fireworks that are not within the boundaries of the law.
He explained that “The illegal fireworks in the city of Manitowoc are anything that’s described that go up in the air and emit some type of a spark up off the ground.”
Those who are planning to do fireworks shows of their own should be aware that there are some rules they may not be aware of.
Blaser said, “We did last year enhance our regulations for fireworks and pyrotechnics that you need to actually be a licensed pyrotechnic in order to have a fireworks display in hopes of reducing some of the shows that we have outside of the lakefront at 9:40 at night.”
The Chief explained that there are valid and important reasons for the regulations.
“In Wisconsin alone last year we had 149 fireworks-related injuries and 30% of those injured were under the age of 18,” Blaser said. “Anywhere from burns, lacerations or other injuries to the face and eyes and hands were the most common associated with the fireworks.”
The city has a large display of fireworks planned as part of the annual Fourth on the Shore celebration of Independence Day.
Festival Foods is the sponsor for the event, which will begin at 9:30 p.m.
