Don’t get burned by fireworks this Fourth of July Published July 2, 2008 By Tyler Hemstreet Staff writer MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- This Fourth of July base officials are reminding Airmen and their families to steer clear of illegal fireworks and keep safety in mind at all times when using legal fireworks. In 2007 there were more than 1,059 fireworks related emergency incidents in Washington resulting in more than $21.5 million in property loss, according to the Washington State Patrol. In the state of Washington, common fireworks such as sparklers, cylindrical or cone fountains, illuminating torches, wheels, ground spinners and roman candles are legal, according to the Washington State Patrol's Fire Protection Bureau, while firecrackers, bottle rockets and skyrockets are illegal, except on tribal land. Tacoma's fireworks ban will be treated as a civil infraction this year with a $257 fine, rather than a misdemeanor resulting in jail time. For those who choose to set off legal fireworks, safety should be the number one priority, said Ken Heath, 62nd Airlift Wing chief of ground safety. "Anyone who's planning on using fireworks needs to handle them just as if they were handling a weapon," he said. It is illegal to have or use fireworks on base, as stated by the 62nd Airlift Wing Instruction 32-17, Base Fire Prevention Program. However, sparklers will be allowed on base, said chief of fire prevention Sandra Cooper, 62nd Civil Engineer Squadron. "But people still have to be careful with sparklers because they can still cause burns," Ms. Cooper said. Sparklers can burn at temperatures upwards of 1800 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the National Fire Protection Association. A safer and less expensive way to enjoy fireworks this year is to attend a professional fireworks display, Ms. Cooper said. For more information on fireworks laws in each county and city in the state, visit http://www.wa.gov/wsp/fireworks/mediakit/law.htm.