By Logan Wells, News Director | Logan@kymnradio.net
Safety officials are urging caution ahead of 4th of July tomorrow and encouraging everyone to remain safe when using fireworks. State Fire Marshall Dan Krier reminds everyone of what fireworks are legal in Minnesota:
“And they are fireworks that stay on the ground. They might emit some sparks. But the simplest thing is if it shoots up in the air or it goes boom, that’s illegal in Minnesota.” – Dan Krier, MN State Fire Marshal (Audio Courtesy of the Minnesota News Network).
However, Minnesota Medical Association president-elect Doctor Lisa Mattson says that all fireworks can be dangerous, citing the 2023 data:
“There were 700 E-R visits related to just the use of sparklers. And we think of those as being pretty benign. Sparklers have been associated with injuries to little kids. I don’t think we can look at any of them and consider them to be safe.” – Dr. Lisa Mattson, President-Elect of the Minnesota Medical Association (Audio courtesy of the Minnesota News Network).
Here in Northfield, Police Chief Jeff Schroepfer stated that the department receives a flood of complaints each year about fireworks. He noted that the department can not respond to every complaint; instead:
Picture by Aramis Wells/Flashover Photo
“If your neighbor is shooting off fireworks and it’s unsafe, we get it. But if your neighbor is shooting off fireworks and it’s unsafe because they’re on fire, yes, please call.” – Jeff Schroepfer, Northfield Police Chief on KYMN In The Morning
Schroepfer noted that by keeping the emergency line clear of every complaint, it can help make sure that emergency officials can get to accidents or injuries as quickly as possible.
Northfield’s fireworks show is set for tomorrow evening at 10pm at the Northfield Middle School.
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