WESTON WV — An acknowledged expert suggests area residents celebrate Independence Day this year by attending a public fireworks show. Backyard fireworks are not worth the risks, according to Mark Lambert, Extension Fire Service director and assistant professor at West Virginia University.
“My expert advice is to leave displays to the professionals. While consumer fireworks are legally sold in many areas, they are not risk-free,” Lambert says.
He contends the facts speak for themselves. More than 10,000 injuries a year are attributed to fireworks, with children under 15 accounting for a large share. Sparklers, a popular purchase, burn hotter than a blowtorch at 1,200 degrees. In rural communities, even a single mishandled firework can ignite a wildfire or structural blaze.
“The smarter choice,” Lambert advises, “would be to attend a permitted public display. These shows are handled by professionals and have safety plans in place. Plus, the display will be far better than anything you can launch from your backyard.”
Shows are scheduled locally on Thursday and Friday (July 3-4, 2025) in Pottstown, North Coventry, Limerick, Phoenixville, Skippack, and King of Prussia. See the Travels With The Post extended calendar for details on each.
Six Tips for Your Safety
Those who choose to use backyard devices, Lambert urges, must follow local laws and ordinances, be cautious, and take safety precautions. He offers these tips to keep users and spectators safe:
- Wear eye protection at all times;
- Do not allow young children to play with fireworks;
- Older children should be permitted to use fireworks only under close adult supervision;
- Set off displays outdoors in a clear area, away from people, houses, dry leaves, grass or other flammable materials;
- Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on devices that fail to ignite or explode; and
- Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning or ‘dud’ fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.”
Photo by Spenser Sembrat on Unsplash+, used by Travels With The Post under license
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