NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP/WMOT) — More fires occur on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year, many of them caused by fireworks.
As a result, many mid-state communities place restrictions on the use of fireworks.
The Murfreesboro Fire Marshal’s Office notes, for example, that within the city limits you can only set off fireworks legally between June 28 and July 5.
In addition, fireworks can only be used between the hours of 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. - 11 p.m. the night of the Fourth. Murfreesboro bans the use of bottle rockets, sky lanterns, and reload-able fireworks mortars.
Murfreesboro Assistant Fire Marshal Michael Bartlett suggests you let the pros handle the fire works by attending one of the many great fireworks shows planned for here in Middle Tennessee. If you do set off your own fireworks, he suggests common-sense precautions.
“Have a bucket of water nearby so you can soak the fireworks if they happen to be a dud or a misfire. Don’t try to make them work. Put them in water and then dispose of them properly.”
Bartlett also says to supervise children carefully, and take time to think about where your fireworks will land. He notes that fireworks are responsible for about 10,000 injuries each year.