Sunday September, 5 2021

Nature: Pre-arranged Fireworks Stand-by Assignment – Paradise Grill

Location: Pot Nets Bayside

On Sunday, September 5^th, the Indian River (80) and Millsboro (83) volunteer fire company provided designated standby crews for firework cover-up assignments from the arrival and preparation, set-up, and display hosted by Paradise Grill in the Long Neck area.  This assignment included fully staffed engine crews, brush truck as well as fire police assignments for the event.

Standby crews consist of a minimum number of firefighters, fully equipped and trained, SHALL be on standby outside the designated location to provide assistance or perform rapid rescue, if needed. Voice, visual, or radio contact is required between the Officer-in-Charge (OIC), the team members, and the Sussex Emergency Operations Center at all times during the event.

This assignment included an engine crew to standby at the launch location from the time of firework arrival to include coverage for set-up of the ordinances till launch time.  Additional fire police assignments included traffic control for the public departure from the Pot Nets Bayside community onto Long Neck Road.

Indian River VFC would like to remind residents to use fireworks with caution ahead of the upcoming Labor Day holiday.

Included herewith is commentary regarding firework safety. Now that consumer fireworks are legal to acquire in Delaware during specifically designated holidays and you choose to use them, be sure to follow the following safety tips:

• Never allow young children to handle fireworks

• Older children should use them only under close adult supervision

• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol

• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear

• Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands

• Never light them indoors

• Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material

• Never point or throw fireworks at another person

• Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting

• Never ignite devices in a container

• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks

• Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding

• Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire

• Never use illegal fireworks