FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  
 Contact: Gail H. Davis  
  
                                              FY 98-7 
                                              Date: June 1,1998

                                       
         

                        Fireworks Safety 

  Washington--"Americans who celebrate the Fourth of July with
 fireworks can have a safe and happy holiday by observing a few
 simple precautions," advises the nation’s chief investigator of
 explosives crimes. 

 "First, make sure fireworks are legal in your State and can be set
 off in your city or county," said John W. Magaw, Director of the
 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). 

 "Buy fireworks from vendors who operate openly and welcome visits
 by fire departments and police," Magaw recommends. "Don’t buy from
 persons who approach you on the street. Too often they sell
 deadly, illegal explosive devices that may explode prematurely in
 your hand or pocket." 

 "On a personal level, the most important thing is to assume
 leadership among family and friends," said Magaw. "Make sure they
 are safe. Discourage foolishness with fireworks -- and never mix
 alcohol and explosives." 

 The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulates Class-C
 common fireworks that are legal in some States. These fireworks
 contain a trace of pyrotechnic material, are labeled Class-C,
 identify the producer, and come with safety precautions. CPSC
 reported that fireworks injured more than 7,500 people last year.* 

 An unknown number of the injuries attributed to fireworks are
 caused by small illegal explosive devices with names like M-80,
 quarterstick, ashcan, and M-1000. 

 The devices traffickers tout as fireworks are actually small,  

 unstable bombs that sometimes blow up in the hands of unwary
 buyers. 

 A typical illegal explosive device resembles a roll of coins with
 a fuse: 

 - is a cardboard tube filled with explosive material; 

 - is 1 to 6 inches long and up to 6 inches diameter; 

 - is red, silver, or brown in color; 

 - has green, red, or blue fuse; 

 - sells for $1 to $5 or whatever buyers will pay. 

 "Illegal explosive devices meet neither safety nor quality
 standards and usually are coated with explosive dust," said Magaw.
 "Friction, heat or a bump can cause them to detonate." Each year,
 ATF finds and destroys hundreds of thousands of the devices. 

 Why do people make and sell illegal explosive devices which can
 send them to prison for 10 years or could possibly result in
 homicide charges? "The devices cost pennies to make and sell for a
 dollar or more," said Magaw. "They are high-profit items." 

 "Caring citizens can play an important role in curbing the pain
 caused by illegal explosive devices," Magaw said. The Director
 invited the public to help expose traffickers of the illegal
 devices by calling their local ATF office.** 

 All explosives present a risk, including legal fireworks. ATF
 investigates explosives incidents in cooperation with State and
 local enforcement agencies. 

 For more information on ATF, visit the ATF Web site at 

 www.atf.treas.gov. 
                                   -end-

 Contact: 

 * CPSC for data on fireworks injuries, legal fireworks. 

 ** local ATF office for information about your area. ATF is listed
 under Treasury Department in the telephone directory. 
                                   -end-