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Consumer Fireworks are Illegal in Franklin

Franklin Fire Marshal Andy King is reminding residents that consumer fireworks are illegal in Franklin.  This includes sparklers and sky lanterns, which are unmanned airborne paper lanterns fueled by flame.  In the State of Tennessee sky lanterns can only be purchased and used by licensed fireworks professionals.  This is because they pose a danger to livestock that consume the remains, as well as a fire danger.

King said the Franklin ordinance that prohibits consumer fireworks was adopted in 1999 because fireworks present substantial risks.  In addition to damaging property and causing thousands of fires annually across the U.S., every year fireworks cause thousands of eye, ear and face injuries, amputations and severe burns.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires per year.  In 2015, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 11,900 people for fireworks related injuries; 51 percent of those injuries were to the extremities and 41 percent were to the head.  Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for one quarter of the estimated 2015 injuries.

King said the safest way to enjoy fireworks is at a professional display.  The City of Franklin’s professional fireworks show will take place at the Park at Harlinsdale Farm on July 4 at 9 p.m.  It is sponsored by WAKM AM-950.

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