ATF Promotes a Safe July 4th Celebration and Awareness of the Dangers of Fireworks

LOS ANGELES, July 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Special Agent in Charge John A. Torres of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, (ATF) Los Angeles Field Division, encourages Southern California residents to be safe and responsible during Fourth of July celebrations.

"The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently posted its statistics that in 2009 that there were two deaths and nearly 9,000 emergency room visits for injuries resulting from 4th of July firework related incidents," said Torres. "The public needs to be aware that most fireworks injuries occurred to people younger than 20 years in age and resulted in the loss of a limb in many cases."

On June 24, 2010, ATF and the Los Angeles Police Department recovered more than 5,500 pounds of illegal fireworks and illegal explosive devices from a stash house in the city of Paramount. This seizure resulted from an anonymous tip provided to ATF by a concerned citizen. "The information which resulted in this seizure was the result of a person from the community looking for a safe holiday," said Torres. "We encourage all residents to use the hotlines available to ensure that."

With Independence Day upon us, ATF reminds the public to keep safety in mind when using consumer fireworks. The instructions printed on the fireworks' product packaging must be followed carefully. Also residents need to be aware of their local laws regulating the use of fireworks. Even sparklers which are sold at firework stands to children can burn at 2,000 degrees, which is hot enough to melt some metals.

"We want every Fourth of July to be a time to celebrate and to enjoy time with your families. We do not want anyone, particularly young children getting injured or killed using illegal fireworks," said Torres. "Accidents do happen, even when all precautions are taken. Unfortunately accidents involving illegal fireworks are usually catastrophic when children are involved."

Contact: Christian Hoffman, 213-216-3622

SOURCE Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

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