Lakes Region set to rock the 4th of July, safely

LACONIA — As out-of-state visitors travel to the Lakes Region in droves to celebrate the Independence Day holiday, local leaders emphasize the importance of staying safe.

The City of Laconia’s fireworks ordinance restricts the use of fireworks to between the hours of noon and 10 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, but includes exceptions for July 3 and federal holidays.

This year, the region's events will feature several fireworks displays, including one within the city at 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 6, at Opechee Park downtown.

Citizens are restricted to firing off only fireworks which can be purchased at commercial retailers. Professional-grade fireworks commonly included in large displays can only be purchased with a license offered by the state.

Primary concerns for local public safety officials, aside from keeping safe while setting off fireworks, are related to safety on the lake and roadways. 

“We anticipate it’s going to be a long weekend for many people,” Police Chief Matt Canfield said Monday afternoon. “We would caution people to enjoy the weekend responsibly and safely.”

Fireworks present safety concerns each year, Canfield noted, adding police often see a small number of injuries or accidents related to their unsafe deployment.

“Every year we seem to see several accidents,” Canfield said. “Make sure to use them according to their instructions.”

With steep temperatures in the forecast and many visitors expected to view fireworks displays from out on the water, Canfield emphasized the importance of using personal flotation devices and said his department will increase their presence in the vicinity of public gatherings and events over the weekend. 

“Typically on the Fourth of July, Weirs Beach is a very busy area. People secure spots sometimes as early as around 5 a.m.,” he said. “We will be upstaffing throughout the entire weekend.”

A statement from the Office of the State Fire Marshal reminds those celebrating the holiday that only Class-C fireworks are permissible without a license and that incendiary devices can cause severe injury.

“Only adults 21 years of age or older are legally allowed to purchase, possess, and display permissible fireworks. Ensure fireworks are stored securely and out of children’s reach. Supervision is crucial to prevent accidents, as even sparklers can cause significant injury, burning at temperatures over 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. For context, most adults will suffer third-degree burns if exposed to 150 degree water for two seconds, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.”

Local fireworks retailers are reporting a major uptick in sales. Chad Clive, manager at Atlas Fireworks in Belmont, said customers have traveled to the Lakes Region from as far as Virginia and California in order to join the celebration.

“We’re having a lot more vacationers this year,” Clive said. “Throughout the entire week, it’s been thousands, for sure. This is a very busy time of year for us, and like I said, a lot of them are coming from out of state.”

Atlas Fireworks sells a lot of “aerial cakes,” fireworks that launch into the air and then burst multiple times in a row, mimicking professional fireworks displays albeit at a smaller level. Clive said those who plan to launch fireworks should make sure to do so from a clear, flat surface and weigh down each side of the explosive. Checking with the local fire authority to make sure to comply with any local laws and regulations is also advisable, he said. 

“Don’t mix alcohol with fireworks,” Clive said. “That usually doesn’t go well.”

Laconia Fire Chief Tim Joubert said staying safe through the holiday weekend should include safe use of fireworks and heightened caution when traveling by car or boat.

Joubert cautioned those celebrating the holiday to ensure fireworks included in their plans are permissible by law, and displays that can be purchased through commercial retailers, such as Atlas Fireworks, are generally compliant with local ordinances. He also advised paying attention to warning labels and reading instructions on the package can help to avoid accidents.

“Just like anything you buy, there’s instructions and warning labels,” he said. 

Children should never be permitted to light fireworks, he said, and paying particular attention to the ground and weather is an important aspect of a successful fireworks display. 

“Every year one or two people sustain eye injuries,” Joubert said. 

Making sure fireworks are launched free from overhead obstructions including roofs, tree branches or power lines can help prevent any unnecessary emergencies as well. If firing displays off property owned by someone else, written permission to do so is required. Lighting only one device at a time is safest, Joubert said. 

When lighting fireworks, having a source of water such as a filled bucket or a hose on hand or sand available to douse a fire is recommended. If a device fails to launch after ignition, an individual should thoroughly saturate it with water or bury it with sand and avoid manipulating it to prevent severe injury. 

“On the water or on the roads, make sure you’re being safe so you can go and enjoy everything that Laconia and the Lakes Region has to offer,” Joubert said.