TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- In celebration of July 4th, 72nd Air Base Wing Fire and Emergency Services hopes you take the time to reflect on what it means to be an American and have a fire safe weekend. Historically, the Fourth of July is often associated with fireworks, barbecues and family get-togethers. But these activities often have devastating results. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2014 Fireworks Annual Report, U.S. hospital emergency rooms saw an estimated 10,500 people for fireworks-related injuries in 2014. Sparklers, fountains and novelties alone accounted for one-quarter of the emergency room fireworks injuries.
Fireworks by the numbers
- The National Fire Protection Association reported that fireworks caused an estimated 20,000 reported fires.
- These fires resulted in an estimated eight reported civilian deaths, 40 civilian injuries and $32 million in direct property damage.
- The risk of fireworks injury was highest for young people ages 15-24, followed by children under 10.
- On Independence Day in a typical year, far more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for two out of five of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.
Stay safe and leave the Fireworks to the professionals.
The greater Oklahoma City metropolitan area offers many different festivals and fireworks shows to celebrate Independence Day. Here are just a few. For a complete list, visit www.travelok.com
Midwest City’s Tribute to Liberty
Joe B. Barnes Regional Park, Midwest City
(near Reno and Midwest Blvd.)
July 4th-Live music at 6 p.m.
Fireworks begin at 9:45 p.m.
Celebration in the Heartland
Buck Thomas Park, Moore
An outdoor festival for the whole family.
July 4th - 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Bricktown Fireworks & Fourth Fest
Bricktown, Oklahoma City
July 4th - Live Music Begins
7:00 p.m.
Fireworks Display 9:45 p.m.
Red, White, & Boom
State Fair Park, Oklahoma City
July 3rd – Gates open 6 p.m.
Live Music at 8:30 p.m.
Fireworks Display 9:45 p.m.
Liberty Fest
Edmond
June 24-July 4
Fireworks 9:30 p.m.
This is one of the top festivals in the United States.
FreedomFest
City & Chisholm Trail Parks, Yukon
July 4 - OKC Philharmonic & fireworks at 10 p.m.
Outdoor festival for the whole family.
Grilling Fire Safety Tips
- Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors.
- Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas, and foot traffic.
- Grills should be positioned at least 10 feet away from siding, deck railing, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
- Keep, matches, lighters, and starter fluid out of the reach of children in a locked drawer or cabinet.
- Keep children and pets away from the grill area: declare a three-foot “kid-free zone” around the grill.
- Use long barbeque mitts and long-handled grilling tools to protect the chef from heat and flames when cooking.
- Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below the grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.
Tinker AFB Fire Emergency Services wishes everyone a safe, happy summer season. But please remember: it’s everyone’s special responsibility to be FIRE SAFE!
For additional information contact the Tinker AFB Fire Prevention Office at 734-3981.