Corbett Fire District: 4th of July Safety Tips

For Immediate Release:

Corbett Fire District: 4th of July Safety Tips

The Corbett Fire District wishes everyone a happy 4th of July. Please keep in mind the “3Cs” for firework safety on the 4th.

   (1) Be very CAUTIOUS and closely supervise children. Sparklers can burn at 1,200 degrees and can easily catch hair and clothes on fire; as well as burn the eyes and skin. According to the National Fire Protection Association, during the 4th of July sparklers cause over 25% of emergency room visits. Additionally, kids under five years of age account for 50% of those visits.

   (2) Be CAREFUL and have a five gallon water filled bucket and a hose easily available. After waiting 15-20 minutes put used fireworks in the bucket, this will avoid the embers starting a fire hours later.

   (3) Be COURTEOUS to your neighbors and use legal fireworks. Remember the embers from aerial fireworks can drift and cause a fire on your neighbor’s property or house. Even this spring, with a great deal of rain, we have had brush fires in the Portland metro area that have ignited fences. These fires were started by fireworks. The igniting of aerial fireworks in windy weather is very dangerous. According to the National Fire Protection Association each year there are over 19,500 house fires that are caused by fireworks. Often these are caused by aerial fireworks. You can best protect your home by cleaning the roof and gutters.

Finally, in the spirit of the 4th of July, how many of our Founding Fathers were volunteer firefighters?
At least ten (accounts vary), but Jefferson and Washington were Presidents. Additionally Benjamin Franklin created the first volunteer fire department. Others were Sam Adams, John Hancock, Paul Revere, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, John Barry, and Aaron Burr.

Contact: Chief- Dave Flood 503-803-5244