LAWTON, Okla_No one is more
thankful for Monday's burn ban announcement than the emergency responders who
went on nearly 300 fireworks related fire calls last week.
Lawton fire marshals said
163 of those calls were made on the 4th of July alone. Only 12 of those turned
out to be actual fires that firefighters had to help extinguish.
Fire
investigators said the rest were small fires that were put out before they
arrived, or were only sparks or smoke made from fireworks that were mistaken
for fires.
Mark Mitchell said
things have started to taper off, as expected, as people run out of fireworks.
He said they were busier than past Independence Day holidays. Mitchell also
said one fire engine broke down under the strain of all the calls.
While many
people took advantage of the celebrations, emergency responders including fire
fighters, police officers and even the county paid the price.
"You know
you're not supposed to shoot them, but people said ‘well they're shooting them
everywhere else all over town.' Firefighters were pretty busy, they probably
didn't spend too much time in the station house. The police department was
inundated with calls. Not to mention the 150 grassfires throughout the
county."
Lawton Chief Fire
Marshal Mark Mitchell said while emergency responders want to help anyone in
need, it's frustrating when they are spread thin due to carelessness.
"13 grassfires,
trash fire, and structure fire is really unnecessary especially if people are
being conscious and thoughtful of their neighbors property and lives especially
as dry as it's been.
While many
people don't intend on harming their neighbor, when it comes to fireworks,
there's no guarantee.
"Most of
the fireworks, not all of them, once you ignite them they leave your
control."
Although they
don't want to ruin anyone's celebration, they're left with no choice.
"We
tripled the number of citations we issued in previous years."
A decision he
said helped keep many safe this year.
"Follow
the rules, they are in place for a reason. We ban them in the City of Lawton because of the
dangers that could have claimed someone's life or in least destroyed someone's
property."
Another danger Mitchell
said when so many emergency responders are on the road, is the danger they
present to other drivers. He said the sounds of several sirens and speeding
vehicles can distract drivers and cause serious accidents.
Mitchell emphasized that this burn ban will not only target those popping
fireworks, but anyone burning or using anything which is outside of the given
guidelines. Depending on the seriousness of the violation, you could face jail
time.
