By KRISTA HAYES
Staff Writer
With Independence Day this weekend, state and local fire officials are asking residents to remember the importance of fireworks safety.
“Fireworks are very dangerous,” said Wapakoneta Fire Chief Kendall Krites. “They’re an explosive device that people have typically enjoyed and used for years. However over time, people tend to want to have bigger and better displays each year but don’t inherently stop to think about the effects fireworks could have on them and others if an explosion or accident were to occur.”
Although Krites admits that he can’t site any specific incidents during his career at the Wapakoneta Fire Department where he has been called to treat a fireworks-related injury, he said that he and the department are more than prepared to respond if needed.
“We’ve all been through numerous seminars, training sessions and have seen videos or PowerPoint presentations with people missing digits such as fingers and hands, and have even seen deaths that have occurred from fireworks explosions,” Krites said. “Auglaize County has been very fortunate not to have any serious fireworks-related deaths or injuries, although I’m sure there are those in the community who have already purchased illegal fireworks for the Fourth of July.”