‘Sparkling devices’ allowed in Huntsville city limits

HUNTSVILLE — While fireworks and rockets are still illegal in city limits, Huntsville has modified its restriction on pyrotechnics.

Just in time for the Fourth of July.

“We feel like legalizing these products that don’t make the loud noises and they’re relatively safe to use if you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations,” Huntsville Fire Marshal Daniel Wilkerson said of the ordinance passed by the City Council. “These products being sold here locally in the city will discourage people from going outside the city buying the illegal products and bringing them in and using those.”

The new law allows nonexplosive and nonaerial sparkling devices, he said. The handheld or ground-based products include cylindrical and cone fountains, illuminating torches, wheels and ground spinners.

Wilkerson held a demonstration at Joe Davis Stadium this week, coinciding with the North District meeting of the Fire Marshals Association of Alabama. The group is here for a safety and education campaign by the city and the department.

“We’ve had an increasing issue with fireworks in Huntsville over the last several years.” Wilkerson said. “When you have the holidays, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and New Year’s, we get a lot of the products that make loud noise. It scares pets and animals.

“You could have community members that suffer from PTSD but also it’s just not good for a neighbor to shoot off products that are going to keep their neighbor awake at night.”

If planning to use approved fireworks, Wilkerson recommends the following:

1. Always have a water source nearby. Whether it’s a bucket of water or the garden hose, make sure you have a water source handy to put out any testy or stray fireworks. Without water, you risk igniting a fire in your own backyard.
2. Never point fireworks at another person or pet. Over 9,000 injuries or burns related to fireworks mishaps are reported every year, according to the National Fire Protection Association. It’s imperative that you point fireworks away from others, including pets, when using them at your home.
3. Always wear nonflammable safety equipment. The bare minimum when it comes to fireworks safety equipment is a pair of goggles! It’s even better if you can cover your head, wear a thick coat or add some gloves.
4. Never relight a firework. If a firework fails to go off correctly, consider it a dud. You should never relight or pick up fireworks that fail. Instead, wait then use a water source to douse the firework and dispose of it in the garbage.
5. Children should never be allowed to ignite or play with fireworks. The National Safety Council says something as small as a sparkler can cause injuries to children, along with firecrackers and bottle rockets. It’s simply not worth the risk.
6. Stay sober when using fireworks. Never handle fireworks under the influence of alcohol.

“We do encourage that you be a good neighbor,” Wilkerson said. “That when you use these products you use them in the proper hours. Don’t use them after 9 or 10 at night.

“Also make sure that you clean up the mess after you shoot the product. Use the product safely.”