LOUISVILLE, Ky., June 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As Independence Day
approaches, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
wants to remind the public to exercise caution when dealing with fireworks
and only purchase legal fireworks through licensed retailers.
ATF is the federal law enforcement agency charged with enforcing
federal explosives laws. ATF actively works with other federal agencies,
such as the Consumer Products Safety Commission through its fireworks
enforcement program, to prevent trafficking and possession of illegal
fireworks, which are technically classified as illegal explosive devices.
ATF investigates manufacturers and distributors of illegal explosive
devices in an effort to keep them out of the hands of unsuspecting
consumers.
"Make sure fireworks are legal in your area and that they are used
safely," advises Paul Vido, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Louisville
Field Division. The Louisville Field Division is comprised of 14 offices
throughout Kentucky and West Virginia.
Illegal explosive devices meet neither safety nor quality standards of
legally manufactured consumer fireworks. Federally banned fireworks include
M-80s, M-1000s, Silver Salutes, Quarter Sticks, Quarter Pounders, and
Cherry Bombs. These types of devices are sold by unscrupulous individuals
who tout these items as "fireworks" when in reality they are small,
illegal, unstable bombs that sometimes explode in the hands of unwary
buyers or children.
The explosive material in these devices greatly exceeds the limit for
common fireworks. Notoriously, these illegal explosives have almost
instantaneous fuses and are designed to detonate other explosives in close
proximity. Mail-order kits designed to build these fireworks also are
banned. The manufacture, sale and receipt of these illegal explosives
devices are a federal felony and can result in a 10-year prison sentence.
Vido warned that "these types of illegal explosives just are not safe.
We want people to stay safe this 4th of July. Everyone, especially parents,
needs to understand that friction, heat, or even a slight bump can cause
these types of illegal devices to detonate."
State and local fireworks laws and regulations differ from jurisdiction
to jurisdiction. Before purchasing or using any fireworks, check with the
authorities in your areas to find out what is allowed. "Buy fireworks from
vendors who operate openly and welcome visits by fire departments and
police officers. Never buy so called 'fireworks' from a person selling them
on the street or out of the back of a vehicle," Vido added.
Some indicators of an illegal explosive device are:
-- Resembles a roll of coins with a fuse
-- A cardboard tube or oddly shaped item wrapped in brown paper filled
with an explosive material
-- Red, silver or brown in color
-- May be one to six inches long and up to an inch or more in diameter
-- Being sold on the street or out of the back of someone's vehicle
Some important fireworks safety tips include:
-- Always get the facts first about state and local fireworks ordinances.
Check with your local fire department, police or sheriff's office
-- Always buy fireworks from a legal vendor.
-- Store fireworks in a cool, dry place not accessible to youngsters.
-- Always avoid rough handling of fireworks.
-- Only light fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from anything that
might catch fire. Keep water or a fire extinguisher handy.
-- Only light one firework at a time and then move away to a safe
distance.
-- Children and fireworks can be a volatile mix. Responsible adults
should always supervise when igniting fireworks.
"Citizens can play an important role in curbing the pain and injuries
caused by these illegal devices," Vido said. The public should report the
manufacture or sale of illegal fireworks or explosive devices to local law
enforcement or by calling the toll-free ATF hotline at 1-888-ATF-BOMB
(1-888- 283-2662).
More information on ATF and its programs is at http://www.atf.gov.
Contact: ATF PIO Craig W. Roegner
Office: (502) 753-3556
Cell: (502) 773-2614
Email: LouisDiv@atf.gov
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SOURCE Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
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Related links:
http://www.atf.gov
CONTACT:
Craig W. Roegner of the Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, +1-502-753-3556, Cell:
+1-502-773-2614, LouisDiv@atf.gov
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