4th of July Fireworks: Mokena Firefighter Describes Hazards

The marquee in front of Mokena Fire Protection Dist., 19853 Wolf Road, reveals Lt. Mark Sickles' philosophy on fireworks.  It reads: "Leave the Fireworks to the Professionals." 

A planned event, such as the annual 4th of July Fireworks show, which is slated to begin at 9:45 p.m. at Main Park, 10925 W. LaPorte Road, is the best and safest way to enjoy the pyrotechnic, sky-lighting celebration of this country's freedom, he said. 

These colorful and fiery displays that are typically synchronized to accentuate patriotic songs are the safest way to satisfy the American tradition, said Sickles. The display "shooters" are trained professionals. They're licensed and required to participate in on-going development. There are a variety of classes they take to learn about temperatures, related explosives and more, he said. 

Even then, accidents can happen. It's been about 25 years since the Mokena fireworks display has resulted in a directly related injury.    

The fireworks displays are almost always electronic and operated on a control board, he said. It's been at least 15 years since Sickles has seen a large-scale display set by hand. It's coordinated to explode as the note or melody hits a dramatic high, such as those in the popular 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky. 

Unsanctioned fireworks displays

Although most communities in Chicagoland sponsor a fireworks show, unless a severe drought prevents it, at home fireworks is common practice. The packets sold at stores in Illinois are generally safe. However, the sparklers are a problem, according to Sickles. They get as hot as 2,000 degrees. They require adult supervision and a handy bucket of water to douse them as soon as they fizzle out. 

Illegal fireworks are hazardous, said Sickles. Yes, they can be purchased just over the border in Indiana, but they're illegal in Illinois. It's a misdemeanor. The reason they're dangerous is that people don't know how to use them. They're not trained, he added.  And frequently alcohol use is in the mix, which makes a situation more dubious.  

Admittedly there hasn't been a fireworks related blaze in Mokena for years, said Sickles, but there is always a possibility. Bottle rockets and similar products are unpredictable. The fuses can be short, and "there's no telling how far it's going to go before it falls." If it lands on a roof, a deck or even in someone's lap, it's going to be hot. It could spark a blaze or cause burn. 

Homemade M 80s are explosives

What's more serious are M 80s, M 100s and M 1,000s. These are also known as cherry bombs. They're home-made or bootleg explosives. They're totally unregulated, because they're not supposed to be manufactured in the US. Usually they're produced in a shed or someone's basement. "It's a cardboard tube packed with black powder, and it has a fuse. 

The more explosives that get packed into the tube, the higher the number— M 100s and M 1,000s. "They're very dangerous," according to Sickles.  

They're not simple firecrackers. "A firecracker goes pop, an M 80 booms." 

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