For a safe summer, Gorham Fire Chief Robert Lefebvre has issued a fireworks message.

“The Gorham Fire/Rescue Department wants to remind you of fireworks safety, ” Lefebvre said in a statement. “According to the National Fire Protection Association, in recent years fireworks have been one of the leading causes of injuries serious enough to require hospital emergency room treatment.”

Fireworks can result in severe burns, fractures, scars or even death or disfigurement that can last a lifetime, Lefebvre said. Thousands of serious injuries each year typically harm eyes, heads and hands, and are mostly reported in states where fireworks are legal, he said.

“Even sparklers, which are considered by many to be harmless, reach temperatures of more than 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit,” he said. “Wooded areas, homes and even automobiles have become engulfed in flames because of fireworks.”

Fireworks-related fires have typically caused at least $20 million in property loss   in each recent year. “A substantial portion of the structure fire property loss due to fireworks typically involves bottle rockets or other fireworks rockets. These rockets can land on rooftops or wedge within certain structures and still retain enough heat to cause a fire,” he said.

Those who choose to use approved commercial fireworks, are encouraged to follow these tips to prevent incidents this season:

• Permits are required for use of commercial fireworks in Gorham and permits can be obtained online at http://www.burningpermit.com/home.html or at the Central Fire Station between 8:30 am and noon, as conditions allow.
• Use of commercial fireworks in the Town of Gorham is limited to the uses described in the Consumer Fireworks Ordinance which can be viewed at http://www.gorham-me.org/Public_Documents/GorhamME_Codes/Fireworks.
• Persons under 21 years of age shall not possess or use fireworks in Gorham.
• A person may use consumer fireworks only on that person’s property or on the property of a person who has consented to the use of consumer fireworks on that property.
• No person shall use, display, fire, or cause to be exploded, consumer fireworks within 150 feet of any buildings or structures.
• After a fireworks display, children should never pick up fireworks that may be left over, they may still be active.
• If fireworks causes a fire, call 911 even if you think the fire is out.

“By following these fire prevention tips, we can greatly reduce the risk of an incident around your home,” Lefebvre said. “Also, check out NFPA’s fire safety tips and~recommendations at NFPA.org.”