THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – Friday, July 5, 2019 Page 15 Fire officials urge public to play it safe over the Fourth of July weekend (Editor’s Note: The following info is from the State Fire Marshal’s Office.) “L ast year, several people lost fingers and suffered serious burns lighting off illegal fireworks in Massachusetts. Thirty-four firefighters were injured when an errant firework ignited a six-family building,” said State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey. “Have a fun but safe Fourth of July and leave the fireworks to the professionals.” Fourth of July is no holiday for firefighters Needham Fire Chief Dennis Condon, who is president of the Fire Chiefs’ Association of Massachusetts, said, “The Fourth of July holiday is a busy time for firefighters. We are supervising the professional displays so that they are safe for spectators and licensed operators; we are busy responding to all types of fires and medical emergencies. In fact, the week of July Fourth is one of the busiest times of the year for fires.” Ostroskey said, “This year, set a good example for your children. Just as children know where you keep the matches and lighters, they know where you stash your illegal fireworks.” He added, “Children imitate adults. If you use fireworks, children will copy you, not realizing how very dangerous fireworks are.” Fireworks cause many dangerous fires HUGE | SEE PAGE 15 “It means a lot to be able to win a race on the final day of live racing here, and it was even sweeter to get to do it for two local trainers,” said Piermarini. “I have so many wonderful memories here, and Suffolk Downs will always feel like home.” Successful Saint, a homebred for owner Anthony Zizza, remained undefeated from four starts with an authoritative score in the $50,000 John Kirby Stakes with Jose Baez in the irons. The three-year-old gelded son of Successful Appeal is now four-for-four for trainer Dylan Clarke. Last summer, there were many fires, amputations and burn injuries from illegal fireworks in Massachusetts. In the past decade (2009-2018), there have been 800 major fires and explosions involving illegal fireworks in Massachusetts. These incidents resulted in 12 civilian injuries, 39 fire service injuries and an estimated dollar loss of $2.5 million. On June 25, 2018, people shooting fireworks in the street started a fire in a sixunit Lynn apartment building. One ricocheted to the second floor porch and ignited several items. The fire spread to the rest of the second floor and to the third. Thirty-four firefighters were injured at this fire. On July 2, 2018, the Worcester Fire Department was called to a fire in a three-unit apartment building. The fire was started by fireworks igniting trash in a first floor doorway. On July 3, 2018, Dartmouth District #1 responded to a pier fire at Anthony’s Beach. Crews discovered remains of many fireworks on and around the pier after the fire was extinguished. On July 4, 2018, the Agawam Fire Department responded to a brush fire started by three juveniles who were using illegal fireworks. On July 5, 2018, the Lynn Fire Department put out a car fire started by fireworks. The final race in the track’s 84-year history was won in a maiden breaking score by Catauga County ($9.60) and jockey Andy Hernandez Sanchez. It was the third win of the day for Sanchez, who also won the third race aboard longshot Morgan’s Z Va ($30.60) for M. Anthony Ferraro and the eighth race for the Matthew Clarke–trained Fifty Eight O G ($24.60). Following the final live racing weekend on June 29-30, the track will remain open year-round for simulcasting. SSR is working with the New England Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, Inc. and the MassachuFireworks injuries In the past decade (20092018), 38 people were treated at Massachusetts emergency rooms for severe burn injuries from fireworks (burns covering 5% of more of the body), according to the Massachusetts Burn Injury Reporting System (M-BIRS). Fifty-five percent of the victims were under age 25; 18% percent were between the ages of 15 and 24; 8% were between the ages of 10 and 14; 18% were between five and nine; and 11% were children under five. The youngest victim was a six-month-old boy. These victims are scarred for life. In the past year: A 22-year-old man was seriously injured when Roman candles were set off inside an Amherst apartment. A 22-year-old was injured in Gloucester playing with sparklers. A 10-year-old boy was injured by illegal fireworks at a Marshfield beach on July 3, 2018. He was an innocent bystander. A man lost part of his hand when a firework he was holding exploded. The explosion occurred in a Mansfield MBTA parking lot. The Tewksbury Fire Department provided emergency medical care to a man who lost a part of every finger on his right hand when a firework he was holding exploded. setts Thoroughbred Breeders Association on plans to return live racing to the Great Barrington Fairgrounds in Great Barrington, Mass., and to continue simulcasting operations in Boston. About Suffolk Downs Built by 3,000 workers in just 62 days when Massachusetts authorized pari-mutuel wagering in 1935, the historic track has been a showcase for some of the most famous names in Thoroughbred racing history, including Seabiscuit, Whirlaway, John Henry, Cigar and Skip Away. For more information, visit www.suffolkdowns.com. Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/Advocate.news.ma A 25-year-old Brockton man suffered injuries to his left hand when a cherry bomb exploded. A 22-year-old Kingston man suffered injuries to his hands, face and stomach from a firework. Private fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts The possession and use of all fireworks by private citizens is illegal in Massachusetts. This includes Class C fireworks, which are sometimes falsely called “safe and sane” fireworks. Class C fireworks include sparklers, party poppers, snappers, firecrackers, spinners and cherry bombs. Sparklers burn at 1,800ºF or higher. It is illegal to transport fireworks into Massachusetts, even if they were purchased legally elsewhere. Illegal fireworks can be confiscated on the spot. For more information on the dangers of fireworks, go to the Department of Fire Services webpage “Leave Fireworks to the Professionals” (https://www.mass.gov/ service-details/leave-fireworks-to-the-professionals).
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