Fireworks

Fort Wayne Fire Department Promotes Safe, Responsible Fireworks Use

The American traditions of parades, cookouts, and fireworks help us celebrate the summer season, especially our nation's birthday on the Fourth of July. However, fireworks can turn a joyful celebration into a painful memory when children and adults are injured while using fireworks.  

The recently released U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Fireworks Injury Report estimates in 2013 approximately 11,400 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with fireworks.  More than half the injuries were burns and most of the injuries involved the head (including face, eyes and ears) hands, fingers and legs. Children and young adults under the age of 15 accounted for more than 40 percent of the estimated injuries.  Research also found that 1 in 4 children with fireworks related injuries were bystanders in backyard displays. 

Safety is always the key to any activity and this includes fireworks. For your safety, as well as that of your loved ones, neighbors and the community, the Fort Wayne Fire Department suggests you enjoy your fireworks at a professional event. If you do purchase fireworks for private use, FWFD encourages you to use them responsibly and take the necessary safety precautions.  

• Never let children handle, play with, or light any fireworks.
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
• Never hold fireworks in your hand to light.
• Eye protection should be worn at all times.
• Use in a clear, open area. Keep audience a safe distance away from the shooting site.
• Never point or throw a firework at another person/s.
• Do not alter any fireworks device or make your own fireworks.
• Light only one firework at a time.
• Never attempt to re-light, alter, or fix any "dud" firework item.
• Soak your spent fireworks in a bucket of water to make sure they are fully extinguished. 
• Have a fire extinguisher, water supply, hose, or bucket of water nearby.
• Please think about your pets!  Animals have sensitive ears and can be extremely frightened or stressed by fireworks.  Please keep pets indoors to reduce the risk that they will get loose or get injured.
• Please be respectful of your neighbors and clean up after yourself.  Do not allow children to pick up pieces of fireworks after an event.

Fort Wayne officials also remind you to follow the laws governing fireworks in the city limits. Fort Wayne’s City Ordinance says: 

• Fireworks may be used only on the user's property, on the property of someone who has consented to the use of fireworks, or at a special discharge location. (Note: A special discharge location is a place designated by the State Fire Marshal for the discharge of consumer fireworks).
• Fireworks can be purchased only by adults 18 years of age or older. Children under 18 may only use fireworks when an adult is present.
• Fireworks may be used only between 5:00 p.m. to two hours after dusk (approximately 11:00 p.m.) from June 29-July 3 and again from July 5-9.
• On the day before Memorial Day, Memorial Day, July 4^th, the day before Labor Day and Labor Day, the hours are extended from 10 a.m. until midnight.

The Fort Wayne Fire Department encourages you to celebrate safely.   If you have additional questions, please call Stacey at 427.1102.

Sparkler Safety

Sparklers are beautiful and can add fun and excitement to holiday celebrations especially for children.  But they must be used carefully.  The Fort Wayne Fire Department reminds you to be safe and smart this summer season.   

Did you know sparklers can reach 1,800 Fahrenheit – hot enough to melt gold?  Sparklers are not toys.  Remembering the following sparkler safety tips can help keep you and your loved ones safe. 

• Children under the age of 12 should not use sparklers without very close adult supervision.
• Always remain standing while using sparklers.
• Never hold a child in your arms while using sparklers.
• Never hold, or light, more than one sparkler at a time.
• Always wear closed-toe shoes when using sparklers.
• Sparkler wire and stick remain hot long after the flame has gone out.  Be sure to drop the spent sparklers directly into a bucket of water.
• Never hand a lighted sparkler to another person. 
• Always stand six feet from another person while using sparklers.
• Never throw sparklers
• Show children how to hold sparklers away from their body and at arm's length.
• Teach children not to wave sparklers or run while holding sparklers.

FWFD Administration Has Moved

The Fort Wayne Fire Department (FWFD) Administration has relocated to One Main Street, Suite 901,  Fort Wayne, IN  46802.  The new offices are located on the ninth floor of the City County Building, sharing the floor with the Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) Administration.  Code Enforcement will be joining the rest of the Administration team on the ninth floor as well.  Arson/Investigations offices will be located on the second floor of the City County Building adjacent to the FWPD Detective Bureau. 

The FWFD will still have a presence at the 307 E. Murray Street location including Vehicle Maintenance, Building Maintenance, Quartermaster, and the Battalion Chief office.  Weights and Measures will also occupy office space at Murray Street.

Celebrate Spring Safely

As the weather warms, citizens are turning their attention to in-home spring cleaning, as well as, outdoor projects and play. The Fort Wayne Fire Department says the risk of injury can be greatly reduced by following simple safety steps inside and outside the home.

• Fire is not the way to get rid of yard waste. Leaf burning and general yard waste burning is not permitted.
• Check play equipment for loose or exposed hardware, broken parts and stability before the children begin playing on outside toys and apparatus.
• When using ladders, check for safe and proper placement. Be aware of any obstructions- overhead wires and tree branches.
• Barbeque gas grills (including gas hoses) and propane tanks should be inspected prior to use.
• Rake before you mow to prevent any stones and loose debris from launching into the air.
• Never operate a mower in your bare feet and avoid wearing loose clothing.
• Use proper eye protection.
• Fill lawn mowers, motorbikes and power saws outside and only when the motor is cool.
• Store gasoline in a cool place away from the house in a detached garage or shed, and always in an approved safety can.
• Dispose of old cans of paint, thinners and accumulated newspapers and magazines. Check local newspapers for times and locations to drop off household hazardous materials.

Spring is a great time to assess your home’s fire prevention tools. Following these simple maintenance and prevention tips can help keep you and your loved ones safe.

• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working.
• Be sure to change the batteries in all detectors annually. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be replaced every 10 years.
• Changing weather temperatures can cause windows and doors to stick. Windows should be checked to ensure they can open and close properly in case they are needed as exits.
• Conduct a fire drill. Review and practice your home escape plan.

The Fort Wayne Fire Department encourages you to enjoy the warmer weather. Celebrate spring-safely.

FWFD 2012 Service Awards

The Fort Wayne Fire Department hosted the 2012 Service Awards ceremony on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at the Northeast Indiana Public Safety Academy. The Honorable Mayor Tom Henry and Fort Wayne Fire Department (FWFD) Chief Peter Kelly honored firefighters and other local citizen heroes who have performed in an exemplary manner for the safety of others.

This year’s award ceremony was extraordinary as many of the rescued individuals were in attendance to and helped recognize the 24 award recipients.

FIREFIGHTER MERITORIOUS AWARD

            Firefighter Nate Mills
                        For live-saving actions at the Bowser Street house fire, April 27, 2008
                        *Mills was only recently identified as the fourth firefighter of the crew recognized for the same award in 2009;

            Firefighter Rebekah Freds -
                        For life-saving actions off-duty at a vehicle accident on October 21, 2011;

            Captain Joel Hoffman
                        For life-saving actions at an apartment fire on January 22, 2012;

            Firefighter Michael Heastan
                        For life-saving actions at an apartment fire on January 22, 2012;

            Captain Elbert Starks
                        For life-saving actions at an apartment fire on February 9, 2012;

            Firefighter Tyler Bruce
                        For life-saving actions at an apartment fire on February 9, 2012;

            Firefighter John Gilbert
                        For life-saving actions at an apartment fire on February 9, 2012;

Firefighter Commendation Award

            Firefighter Brian Lawson
                        For life-saving efforts at an apartment fire on January 22, 2012;

            Firefighter Doug Castator
                        For life-saving efforts at an apartment fire on January 22, 2012;

            Firefighter Andrew Bolinger
                        For life-saving efforts at a silo rescue on January 6, 2012;

            Firefighter Rich Dolsen, Jr.
                        For life-saving efforts at a silo rescue on January 6, 2012;

            Firefighter Randy Mee
                        For life-saving efforts at a silo rescue on January 6, 2012;

            Captain Craig Mueller
                        For life-saving efforts at a silo rescue on January 6, 2012;

            Firefighter Patrick Riley
                        For life-saving efforts at a silo rescue on January 6, 2012;

            Firefighter Ryan O’Shaughnessey
                        For life-saving efforts at an apartment fire on February 9, 2012;

 
 FIREFIGHTER COMMUNITY SERVICE

            Captain Dennis Giere
                       Acknowledging his tireless efforts to honor and remember - Law Enforcement Firefighters Memorial of Allen County;

CITIZEN ACTION AWARD FOR VALOR

            Michael Michelson
                        For life-saving actions to evacuate victims overcome by fumes on May 21, 2011;

            Ryan Shatzer
                        For life-saving actions to save a victim of a vehicle accident/fire on February 10, 2012

CITIZEN MERITORIOUS AWARD

        Vicky and Bill Vachon
                 For their quick actions to dial 911 and evacuate their sleeping neighbors from thier buring home July 5, 2011;

            Chad Chaney
                       For quick actions to dial 911, evacuate occupants and extinguish his neighbors house fire on June 4, 2011;           

            Luis and Tracy Hernandez
                        For their quick actions to dial 911 and enable their neighbor to safely evacuate from a house fire in October, 2011;

CORPORATE MERITORIOUS AWARD

           Smith & Buckland Auto Parts
                       In appreciation for the continued dependability, service and dedication to the FWFD.