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Dam Stand owner Kathy Chandler sells fireworks for those celebrating the Fourth of July, located on University Dr west of Denton. PHOTO BY BO JOPLIN/ NT DAILY

The Dam Stand on University Drive west of Denton sells fireworks for those celebrating the Fourth of July. PHOTO BY BO JOPLIN/ NT DAILY

Garland residents Oscar and Rosa Nuno buy fireworks from Dam Stand owner Kathy Chandler on University Dr west of Denton. PHOTO BY BO JOPLIN/NT DAILY

Leave fireworks to the professionals

Denton laws prevent sales, possession in city

By: Taylor Short

Posted: 7/3/08

Every year as the Fourth of July approaches and fireworks stands begin to pop up in the areas surrounding Denton, law enforcement officials remind buyers of the potential legal troubles and physical dangers of pyrotechnics.

Officer Lenn Carter of the Denton Police Department said it is illegal to buy, possess, store or attempt to sell fireworks in Denton, but they can be used at least 5,000 feet away from Denton city limits in a county where fireworks are allowed. A violation of the law could result in a fine of up to $2,000.

A map of surrounding areas where fireworks are prohibited is available on the Denton Fire Department Web site.

Enthusiasts looking to purchase fireworks will have to drive miles away from downtown Denton to find a stand, such as Boomtown Fireworks in Valley View at Interstate Highway 35N and W. Lone Oak Road, which sells most items cheaper than other companies, employee Eric Sparks said.

"We probably sell more artillery shells than anything," Sparks said, "because everyone likes the big explosion."

Lindsey Wooliscroft, an employee for the fireworks stand on University Drive in Lincoln Park said the average customer buys about $50 worth of fireworks, and business is up 16 percent from last year. She said what can be sold depends on how dry the weather is.

Wooliscroft said the local fire departments stop by from time to time to make sure regulations are met.

"Our biggest sellers are still things parents buy," Wooliscroft said. "Things like sparklers and snakes are popular, simple stuff you can do in the backyard."

Both stands will be open every day up to July 4 from about 10 a.m. to midnight.

According to figures from the National Fire Protection Association from 2006, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,200 people for fireworks related injuries. About 49 percent of the injuries were to the limbs and 46 percent were to the head. Of the 2006 fireworks injuries, 55 percent were burns, while 30 percent were contusions and lacerations.

Those who wish to leave the explosives to the professionals can attend the Independence Day Celebration on Friday, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Fout's Field.

The Kiwanis Club is sponsoring the celebration featuring live music, concessions and a fireworks display scheduled to begin around 9:35 p.m. Entry is free but donations, which go to the Club's medical services, are accepted.

Fireworks facts

The fireworks that cause the most injuries are firecrackers (26 percent) followed by bottle rockets (21 percent) and sparklers (11 percent).
Almost half of those injured are children under 15.
Three-quarters of those injured are male.
Bystanders are hurt more than the people igniting the fireworks.

Fireworks safety tips

Never make your own fireworks, and lookout for teens experimenting with homemade fireworks.
Light fireworks away from homes.
Keep a bucket of water handy.
The person shooting the fireworks should wear eye protection and never have any part of body over a firework.
Light only one firework at a time and never re-light a "dud" firework.
Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers, and don't even think about carrying them in your pocket.
Source: National Fire Protection Association

Source: National Fire Protection Association