The Ponca City Fire Department strongly urges the public to use extra caution during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday period. Each year thousands of serious fireworks-related injuries occur across the country. Sparklers, firecrackers, and bottle rockets are the leading cause of those injuries.
FIREWORKS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BE DISCHARGED WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF PONCA CITY.
Sparklers are a lot more dangerous than most people think. Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals. Sparklers can quickly ignite clothing, and children have received severe burns from dropping sparklers on their feet. According to the National Fire Protection Association, sparklers alone account for more than 25% of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries. For children under 5 years of age, sparklers accounted for nearly half of the total estimated injuries.
Consider using safer alternatives, such as glow sticks, confetti poppers, or colored streamers for younger children.