Terre Haute Fire Department demonstrates fireworks danger

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Just one day before Independence Day, firefighters and city officials want you to think twice before setting off personal fireworks.

News 10 wanted to see how easy it is for backyard celebrations to get out of control. 

Under the watchful eye of the Terre Haute Fire Department, News 10 set off several fireworks in an open field, dried by the heat, near the ground.

Many of the fireworks sparked miniature blazes. Spinners and sparklers caused the most damage. All of the fires were safely extinguished.

Fire officials said the demonstration proved a bigger point, that is that fireworks in these current dry conditions could potentially burn out of control, and cause a danger.

They said if you can, don't use them privately, but if you do, use extreme caution.

"We cannot stop people from shooting off private fireworks, but we can ask them to wave on the side of cautious and be smart about it," Terre Haute Fire Chief Jeff Fisher said.