Poarch still holding fireworks show

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians will still hold its fireworks show to celebrate July 4 despite the drought conditions.

Residents will be able to celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks this year — thanks again to the Poarch Creek Indians — but fire officials are warning everyone else to be careful about fireworks because of the continuing drought.
The Poarch Creek Indians are planning their eighth annual Independence Day Celebration of America at Arrowhead Park, in Poarch on Monday beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Visitors can enjoy entertainment by various local artists and concessions until the fireworks display at 9 p.m. Entertainment begins at 7:30 p.m. and will include Jacob Byrd, Kim McGhee, Sandy Hollinger and Jessica Tullis.
“There will also a veteran recognition for all those who have served in the military,” said Mandy Peebles, events coordinator for the Poarch Creek Indians. “It will be conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars.”
Peebles said there will be bleacher seating, but lawn chairs can be brought to watch the events.
“We will have concessions for those who want something to eat or drink,” Peebles said. “There will be no pets, drugs, alcohol or weapons allowed at the family oriented celebration.”
Local fire departments recommend letting the professionals set off the fireworks this July 4, and spectators to watch from a safe distance. Because of the continuing drought, there is a fire alert and burn ban across the state.
Statistics show that the Fourth of July is one of the most hazardous days for the use of fireworks.
According to the National Fire Prevention Association, each Fourth of July, thousands of people, mostly young children and teenagers, are injured while using fireworks.
• In 2009, fireworks caused an estimated 18,000 reported fires, including 1,300 total structure fires, 400 vehicle fires, and 16,300 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in no reported civilian deaths, 30 civilian injuries and $38 million in direct property damage.
• In 2009, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 8,800 people for fireworks related injuries; 53 percent of 2009 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 42 percent were to the head.
• The risk of fireworks injury was highest for children agres 10-14, with more than twice the risk for the general population.
• On Independence Day in a typical year, far more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for more than half of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.
•  Half (51 percent) of the 2009 fireworks injuries were burns, while  one-quarter (25%) were contusions and lacerations.
• Two of five (39 percent) people injured by fireworks were under the  age of 15.
• The risk of fireworks injury was highest for children ages  10-14 with more than twice the risk for the general population.
• Sparklers and novelties alone accounted for 32 percent of the emergency room fireworks injuries in 2009.