Division of Fire Safety Conducted
Fireworks Inspection Training
JEFFERSON CITY, March 8, 2006-The Missouri Division
of Fire Safety hosted training today, for proximate fireworks inspectors
at the State Emergency Management Agency and the Jefferson City Memorial
Airport.
According to Fire Marshal Randy Cole, it is imperative
the person conducting fireworks pre-show inspection is well trained
in the setup and proper firing techniques of these pyrotechnic displays.
“Through proper training, inspection professionals
will recognize a potentially hazardous condition before it endangers
the public,” Cole said.
One of the worst cases of improper proximate fireworks
usage occurred in February 2003, at The Station Nightclub in West
Warwick, Rhode Island. In that case, the improper use of proximate
fireworks near a flammable wall covering resulted in the deaths of
100 people.
Proximate fireworks are commercial grade pyrotechnics
meant to be used indoors or in close proximity of an audience, sometimes
as close as 25 feet. Fireworks of this type are often used in stage
productions such as plays and concerts.
Global Pyrotechnic Solutions provided hands-on training
for the participants, who loaded and set off an indoor fireworks display
inside the hangar as well as some outdoor proximate fireworks at the
same location. Global Pyrotechnic Solutions and Fire Safety made sure
to focus on NFPA standards for proximate displays, safety and inspection
practices.
The Division of Fire Safety began licensing proximate
fireworks shooters in 2004 after the passage of new legislation. In
Missouri, 97 individuals have been licensed as proximate fireworks
shooters.