The sale of fireworks may soon be legal in Oneida County. The Oneida County Board of Legislators is set to consider a local law to allow for the sale of sparklers around the Fourth of July and again around New Year’s Eve.

Firefighters and first responders are urging Oneida County residents to say ‘no’ to legalizing fireworks because of increased injuries. “Many of the fires and emergencies our first responders encounter each year are preventable tragedies caused by the possession and use of fireworks, including sparkler devices that, while appearing

Let’s all work together to keep our families safe by rejecting local legal attempts to increase the distribution and use of these dangerous devices

innocent and harmless at first glance, can burn at temperatures of up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit or more," according to Robert McConville, FASNY President. “Let’s all work together to keep our families safe by rejecting local legal attempts to increase the distribution and use of these dangerous devices.”

Research from the United State Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) shows 60% of all fireworks injuries in the U.S. occur during the 30 days surrounding July 4th, at nearly 200 injuries a day. About 1,000 reported injuries involved sparklers and bottle rockets, fireworks that are considered safe for young children. Firefighters want to "keep fireworks in the hands of trained professionals."

Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a law in 2014 allowing counties to approve the sale of certain fireworks for limited periods of time. The Oneida County Board of Legislators will consider this year's local law at it's meeting tonight.

What do you think? Should sparklers be legal in Oneida County for July 4th and New Year's Eve?


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