As the Independence Day weekend nears, the Hot Springs Fire Department reminds the public that it is illegal to possess, sell or discharge fireworks within city limits, according to Hot Springs Fire Prevention Code 15-7-3.1.
The fire department issued a news release Tuesday encouraging families to enjoy public fireworks displays conducted by licensed experts, and asked that children be monitored closely at all times at fireworks events.
Area fireworks displays include the following:
• Friday -- Spa Blast at Oaklawn Racing & Gaming infield (rain date Saturday). Gates open at 4 p.m.; fireworks at dusk.
• Saturday -- Highway 7 south over Lake Hamilton at dusk, and Brady Mountain Resort over Lake Ouachita, also at dusk.
• Sunday and Monday -- Magic Springs and Crystal Falls water and theme park, at dusk.
• Monday -- Lake DeGray State Park at dusk; Balboa Lake Pavilion over Lake Balboa at dusk; and Mountain Harbor Resort over Lake Ouachita at 9:30 p.m.
The National Fire Protection Association opposes the consumer use of fireworks, including sparklers and firecrackers, the release said. Sparklers burn at 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to cause third-degree burns. In 2013, sparklers caused 41 percent of fireworks injuries.
In general, fireworks cause more than 10,000 hospital emergency visits per year. Most injuries occur between late June and late July. Burns and eye injuries are the most common types of fireworks injuries. Children and teens have the highest fireworks injury rate. Visit http://www.nfpa.org/education for more information.
Local on 06/29/2016