Don’t get burned by fireworks this Fourth of July Published June 29, 2007 By Tyler Hemstreet 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- This Fourth of July base officials are reminding Airmen and their families to keep safety in mind at all times when using fireworks. "Anyone who's planning on using fireworks needs to handle them just as if they were handling a weapon," said Ken Heath, 62nd Airlift Wing chief of ground safety. It is illegal to have or use fireworks on base, according to 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. In 2006, there were more than 1,000 fireworks-related emergency incidents in Washington resulting in more than $9 million in property loss, Mr. Heath said. Fortunately, there were no injuries or fires on base from fireworks. "We've been lucky," Ms. Cooper said. 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. Fourth of July events --Tacoma Rainiers' Fireworks Extravaganza at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma at the conclusion of the Tuesday game against Salt Lake. -- Freedom Fest is Wednesday at Fort Lewis' Cowan Stadium. The fair begins at 10 a.m., and admission is free. --Steilacoom's Fourth of July Celebration will take place Wednesday and includes fireworks, parade, street performances and all-day activities. -- Tacoma's Freedom Fair and Air Show is Wednesday along Ruston Way's Promenade Park bordering Commencement Bay.