GOSHEN COUNTY – Backyard grills are firing up and sparklers are flying off store shelves as Americans prepare for Independence Day weekend, but safety officials want to make sure the celebration doesn’t end in the emergency room.

Fire departments and police across the country are issuing their annual reminders about fireworks safety, drunk driving and fire prevention as the nation gets ready to mark 249 years since declaring independence from Britain.

Torrington fireworks laws strictly enforced

In Torrington, Wyoming, the city ordinance makes ashooting, detonating, lighting, selling or possessing fireworks within city limits a misdemeanor offense. The mayor may exempt specific portions of the city with city council consent, but residents should check current regulations before purchasing or using any fireworks.

More than 9,700 people ended up in hospitals with fireworks injuries in 2023, with nearly half of those happening around Independence Day. The biggest culprits are sparklers, which burn at 2,000 degrees, and homemade devices. Kids under 15 account for about a third of all fireworks injuries.

The Fort Laramie Volunteer Fire Department emphasizes key safety measures: light fireworks only outdoors, away from houses, dry grass and other flammable materials. Keep children and pets at a safe distance from fireworks activities and always soak used fireworks in water before disposing of them. Always have a bucket of water or hose nearby when using legal fireworks.

Holiday weekend brings deadly roads

Police departments are adding extra patrols this weekend to catch drunk drivers. Independence Day ranks among the deadliest holidays for alcohol-related crashes, with about 40% of traffic deaths involving drunk drivers during the holiday period.

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon’s office continues to support the state’s drunk driving prevention efforts through the Wyoming Governor’s Council on Impaired Driving, which works to educate citizens about the dangers of impaired driving and prevent DUI crashes and arrests in the state.

Torrington Police Chief Matt Johnson echoed the safety message: “We encourage our community to enjoy a safe and responsible celebration of our great Nation’s independence.”

Fire safety during outdoor celebrations

Summer barbecues and dry conditions make for a dangerous combination. Fire officials report a spike in structure fires during holiday weekends as people fire up grills and gather around fire pits.

Keep grills 10 feet from houses and deck railings, never leave cooking fires unattended, and have a water source nearby. In drought-prone areas, officials recommend clearing brush and dry grass from around homes before hosting parties.

Historical significance

The holiday traces back to July 4, 1776, when the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, breaking ties with King George III and British rule. Thomas Jefferson’s document laid out the colonists’ grievances and declared their right to govern themselves.

Philadelphia threw the first organized celebration in 1777 with a 13-gun salute and public readings of the Declaration. Congress made it a federal holiday in 1870.

Planning for safety

Emergency responders suggest keeping first aid supplies on hand and knowing where the nearest hospital is located. The American Red Cross has free apps with emergency instructions and weather alerts. Hospitals typically staff up for the holiday weekend, expecting more patients than usual.

Local fire departments recommend having emergency numbers programmed into phones and making sure someone sober is designated to handle any problems during gatherings.

Celebrate safely this Independence Day

As families across Wyoming prepare to celebrate America’s independence, officials urge residents to follow basic safety precautions to ensure everyone can enjoy the holiday. By following fireworks regulations, designating sober drivers, practicing fire safety and keeping emergency contacts handy, communities can focus on what Independence Day is really about: celebrating freedom with family and friends.