By Craig Anderson

MIDDLETOWN — The Office of the State Fire Marshal typically responds to 15 to 20 fireworks-related issues a year around the Fourth of July.

The incidents range from fire damage to structures and/or personal injuries, assistant state fire marshal Scott Bullock said.

His office responded to seven structure fires last year, which Mr. Bullock said “ranged from exterior damage to the structure as a result of improper disposal to a $600,000 loss to a residence in New Castle County caused by illegal fireworks.”

And with recent dry conditions, Mr. Bullock said his office urges residents simply to “forgo the legal store-bought fireworks and attend a professional, licensed and permitted fireworks display.”

When it comes to safety issues, Mr. Bullock said use and disposal are the biggest concerns.

“Citizens need to understand that even the consumer-grade fireworks that are legal on (July 4) are still dangerous and not used properly or general safety practices utilized, injury and property damage can occur.

“We urge people using the legal fireworks to create a large safety perimeter that has been wet down with water and keep all people and pets free and clear of their established perimeter.”

Mr. Bullock said 50 feet is a good standard to use when dealing with the legally sold fireworks.

“Anything that shoots in the air or explodes is illegal and much more dangerous,” he said.

“A criminal arrest can result if found to be even in possession.”

Disposal is another huge concern, according to Mr. Bullock.

“We (ask) residents to place used fireworks in a bucket filled with water and let them sit overnight,” he said. Then they can be placed in an ordinary trash receptacle,” he said.

“Keep trash cans at least 10 to 20 feet away from any structures. The spent fireworks can remain smoldering or hot enough to ignite combustibles well after they’ve been discharged.”

Mr. Bullock noted that legally sold fireworks in Delaware are only allowed to be used on July 4 and any use afterward can result in criminal charges.

“Please be mindful of neighbors, pets, horses and other animals where loud noises can result in a negative reaction,” he said.

Dover Police spokesperson Master Cpl. Ryan Schmid said “It’s really hard to be put a number on how many calls we respond to for fireworks.

“Most calls come in as ‘shots fired’, and we often cannot locate the item(s) that caused the reporting person to call.”

For more information, visit statefiremarshal.delaware.gov.