GILMER, Texas — Nearly 74 percent of firework-related injuries happen between June 18 and July 18 – that magic window right over the Fourth of July, according to CBS News.
That’s why some firework stands, like the one at Redemption Worship Center in Gilmer, are trying to spread the word of safety as they equip East Texans for their Independence Day celebrations.
"Some of our younger customers come up (and) we try to tell them how to use those fireworks, how to make sure they’re safe with them. We have certain age restrictions we can’t sell to under a certain age. And like I said the rain has been a tremendous help because you’re not worried about catching your field on fire or anything like that," said Matt Poole, lead pastor at Redemption Worship Center.
While East Texas did see some rain this summer, that doesn’t mean people can disregard fire safety. As Smith County Emergency Services District No. 2 Fire Chief Eric Greaser explains, there could be increased fire danger ahead of this holiday because of all the brush the rain helped produce.
"Some soil is still wet in some areas but the grass is growing. If you let that dry out a few more days, with some direct sunlight and no humidity or no rain rather, then put fireworks on top of that we’ll be off to the races," Greaser said.
Redemption Worship Center is aware of the inherent dangers fireworks can pose, so they use their stand not only to help educate potential consumers, but also to empower their youth, and raise money for their summer camps.
"It’s great to get out and celebrate our independence and we’re grateful for that. And the kids actually have a lot of fun, most of them are asleep right now so that’s why they’re not out here right now. But usually they come out and hang out. They’ll be at the road. We have some blow-up costumes, and they’ll run up and down the side and get people’s attention. And it’s just a lot of fun out here," Pool said.
Whatever kind of fireworks people are looking for, the Redemption Worship Center firework stand has got them. It's all in service to help East Texans celebrate one of their favorite holidays of the year.
"It is always a big deal. We’ve got some pretty big items like our stuff over here - those are our big finale pieces. And it’s really noisy out here in East Texas," Pool said.