ATF Promotes Fireworks Safety for Independence Day

WASHINGTON, June 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Fireworks and the Fourth of
July celebrations go hand-in-hand. As we celebrate our nation's independence,
the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) would like to
remind you that illegal or improperly used fireworks can cause severe injuries
or even death.

ATF is the federal law enforcement agency charged with enforcing federal
explosives laws. ATF actively works with other federal agencies, such as the
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), through its fireworks enforcement
program to prevent trafficking of illegal fireworks and to protect our
citizens from the dangers of illegal explosive devices. Consumer fireworks
are regulated by the CPSC and are legal only when permitted by state law.
Fireworks laws and regulations vary. Get the facts from your fire department,
police or sheriff.

ATF Acting Director Kenneth Melson said, "Each year injuries or deaths are
caused by misuse of fireworks or by handling illegal explosive devices. We
encourage you to have a safe Fourth of July celebration by being an informed
consumer."

ATF wants to make sure that consumers are aware that legal consumer fireworks
are marked with brightly colored and decorated paper and include a trade name,
manufacturing information and come with instructions for safe use. However,
consider all explosive materials hazardous. Avoid buying fireworks that come
in brown paper packaging, as this can often be a sign that the fireworks were
made for professional displays and could pose a danger to consumers.

Illegal explosive devices are not fireworks. Illegal explosive devices are
small bombs that maim, blind and kill. These devices are commonly referred to
as M-80s, ashcans, cherry bombs, silver salutes, quarter-sticks, M-100s and
M-1000s and often come in plain brown or white wrappers, with no identifying
marks. Explosive materials in illegal devices exceed the limit for common
fireworks. The devices do not meet any safety or quality standards and are
extremely dangerous and can be highly unstable. They can trigger accidental
detonation and explode due to heat, shock, friction or pressure. People
trafficking in illegal devices can go to federal prison for 10 years; some
have been tried for murder.

The public is urged to report the manufacture or sale of illegal fireworks or
explosives devices to your local law enforcement agencies and by calling the
toll-free ATF hotline at 1-888-ATF-BOMB (1-888-283-2662).

The ATF Fireworks PSA is available at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtHkFfOczsA

More information on ATF and its programs can be found at www.atf.gov.

CONTACT: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Public Affairs
Division, 202-648-8500

SOURCE Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Public Affairs Division,
+1-202-648-8500