CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Throwing away still-hot fireworks caused a few problems during the July Fourth holiday in Clarksville this year, according to fire officials.
“The majority of calls we responded to were where individuals improperly disposed of fireworks, so we want to reiterate how to properly dispose of fireworks,” Clarksville Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Michael Rios said. “After you shoot them, there could be embers burning in the packaging.”
CFR reported the following fireworks-related calls over the holiday period:
- Dumpster caught fire after fireworks were discarded.
- Kids in neighborhood shooting firecrackers and throwing mortar rounds at houses.
- Dumpster caught fire after fireworks were discarded.
- Dumpster caught fire after fireworks were discarded.
- Fireworks discarded in plastic roll around trash receptacle.
- Ember from fireworks landed on a plastic blow-up pool and caught it on fire.
- Discarded firework debris caused trash can to melt.
- Trash can melted caused from discarded fireworks debris.
- Two people hit by fireworks.
Rios offered these tips for disposing of personal fireworks:
- After use, dunk the fireworks in a bucket of water.
- Leave them in there for 24 hours.
- Then put them in a bag.
- Last, drop them in the trash.
“The biggest thing is making sure the embers and the fire is out,” Rios said. “You’ve got to wait 24 hours.”
Lee Erwin contributed to this report.
