Interview with Assistant Fire Chief Garth Schumacher about Firework Safety

We are very grateful to have Assistant Fire Chief, Garth Schumacher take time out of his busy work schedule to answer some questions about firework safety. Garth is an EFO (Executive Fire Officer), EMT-P (Emergency Medical Technician- Paramedic) and Fire Investigator. He takes his position very seriously and his knowledge and experience shines through his answers. Garth has 31 years of total experience in fire and rescue. He has been with Fond du Lac, Wisconsin for 24 years and served 7 years in Van Dyne, Wisconsin as a volunteer. 

What are the qualities to look for in a location to shoot fireworks?

Qualities to look for in a site, the site should be clear of obstructions and allow for proper setback distance of the display and the spectators.  Also, if the site is near a residential area fallout from the pyrotechnics should be taken into account.   

 

If people are watching, how far away should they be?

Minimum distances from display to spectators is defined by NFPA standards and are based on the type and size of the pyrotechnic.  For instance minimum distance to spectators for a 3” mortar is 210’ feet and a minimum secured diameter of the site itself is 420’ feet.  As the shell increases so do the distances.

 

 

Is a bucket of water enough to have for safety put outs?

In some cases, a bucket of water may be enough to put out some small vegetation fires that may come from fallout or pyrotechnics that may have malfunctioned. It is best to have a contingency option however that allows for more water and a better way to apply it, such as a water extinguisher or some type of sprayer. In the City of Fond du Lac an Engine company is required to be on standby at all displays.

 

How much damage can 1 firework do if detonated in the wrong location? Like your garage or house? 

This depends on what pyrotechnic is being used.  A mortar can do a huge amount of damage if it explodes inside a garage or enclosed space.  This doesn’t account for the large likelihood a fire will result.  I have been to structure fires in the City that were started by bottle rockets, so no pyrotechnic is safe from potential damage or destruction of property.

 

If there is a high fire risk, what are the consequences for someone that lights fireworks off? 

If there is a high fire risk the Fire Department may not allow a permit to be issued or may require irrigation to be performed days before and up to the date of the show.  Should pyrotechnics be utilized without permits or against Fire Department restrictions the people responsible for the show would be held liable for any damages that would be incurred. Since the City of Fond du Lac requires a licensed pyrotechnician the likelihood of responsibility would fall on the technician and their liability insurance.

 

For all displays, we require a walk-through of our venues with a local firefighter, or fire marshal to make sure the fall out area is still in a safe zone. Is there anything our clients should know ahead of time?

In the City of Fond du Lac all fees and permits need to be properly filled out, a licensed pyrotechnician must be obtained and there has to be documentation of liability insurance and a site plan included in the permit application that shows distances away from spectators, the site, what is being ignited and the largest size used.  These items are all part of the permit process.  Additionally, the City of Fond du Lac requires that an Engine company be on-site for the display and the fee for staffing is paid for by the venue.

 

What is the proper way to dispose of fireworks after they are used? 

The best way to dispose of fireworks after they are used is to either place them in a fireproof container for several days or place them in a container of water. There is always potential for smoldering, so you do not want to put these in a garbage can until you are certain that they have cooled and there is no longer any smoldering taking place.

Thank you, Garth, for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer these questions! We appreciate you! Stay safe!

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