Fireworks not allowed on Tinker Published July 2, 2012 By Brandice J. O'Brien Tinker Publice Afairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Independence Day is just around the corner and while many look forward to its fireworks, officials said the explosive pyrotechnics are not permitted on base. "Fireworks are a summer tradition and memory for many families; unfortunately so are injuries and fires caused by fireworks," said Scott Bloxham, assistant chief of Fire Prevention. "Play it safe by attending one of the many local displays run by professionals." Fireworks are the cause of thousands of fires and injuries. According to the National Fire Protection Association, which released 2010 statistics, fireworks were responsible for 15,500 fires and caused $36 million in property damage. The same findings reported roughly 8,600 people were treated for fireworks-related injuries. The most common injuries were hand or finger burns. Sparklers caused more injuries than any other kind of firework. The tip of a sparkler reaches more than 1,200 degrees. To put it in perspective, Earnest Baxter, Tinker fire inspector, said cakes bake at 350 degrees, wood burns at 575 degrees and glass melts at 900 degrees. While males are responsible for 65 percent of firework-related injuries in 2010, Mr. Baxter said each year, thousands of people, mostly children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 14 are injured while using consumer fireworks. "Children should never pick up a used firework; it may still be active," Mr. Baxter said. Fireworks are also illegal within the city limits of Del City, Edmond, Midwest City, Moore, Norman and Oklahoma City. Fireworks prohibited anywhere in Oklahoma include bottle rockets, stick rockets, cherry bombs and M-80s. Several firework displays are scheduled in anticipation of the upcoming holiday. They include Oklahoma City's Red, White and Boom; Bethany's Freedom Festival; Midwest City's July 4th event, Edmond's Liberty Fest and Yukon's Freedom Fest. Oklahoma City's Red, White and Boom begins at 8:30 p.m. July 3 at State Fair Park; Bethany's Freedom Festival fireworks are scheduled for the evening of July 4; Midwest City and Edmond will shoot their respective fireworks at 10 p.m. on July 4h; and Yukon's fireworks will be at 10 p.m. on July 3 and 4. For more clarification or information on public firework displays, call your town or city hall.