Just before the Fourth of July, I wrote about the proposed ban on consumer fireworks in this editorial. A growing number of associations and organizations, including the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the International Association of Fire Fighters, believe the problem is serious enough to alert their members.

It was ironic that when the first press release arrived about these organizations joining the proposed ban, I also was skeptical about banning fireworks, until I read the intensity of the heat of sparklers (over 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit) and the statistics on death and injuries from consumer fireworks.

Sure enough, a reader sent me a link to an article about a 17-year-old boy in Wisconsin who was killed on July 4 helping his dad set up a fireworks display in a campground. They had a permit for the fireworks, but something went wrong and the boy was killed.

On the other hand, the editorial stirred interesting opposing views from some readers. "It is a shame that in this country we are removing personal accountability and are blaming all of our woes on the seller and/or manufacturer," wrote one chief, who has two large fireworks outlets in his area. "This is with guns, fireworks, three-wheelers, cigarettes, saturated fats, etc. I am sick and tired of the few making it hard for the rest. This is supposed to be a free country, full of choice."

Targeting the entire consumer fireworks industry is not the answer, he said. "I agree with what is proposed by the IAFC and [will] work harder on public forums and education. In a country of 250 million or so, 8,800 injuries is not so staggering in my book. Compare this number to juvenile athletics and see what you get. But to ban consumer fireworks is ridiculous in my opinion. Bowing to the irresponsible/uncaring dopes of this country has to stop."

And to another reader, you're absolutely correct that there are a lot of other hazards and dangers that cause more injuries and deaths than fireworks. But here we go again: What's the difference between your right to play with fire and my right to prevent your hazards from spreading to my house or my loved ones?

While Fourth of July is over, the National Council on Fireworks Safety does offer some tips at www.fireworksafety.com. Among the 16 tips offered: Keep a garden hose and a bucket handy, light only one firework at a time, dispose of fireworks by soaking them in water and then putting them in a trash can, and stay away from illegal fireworks.

As members of the public safety community, we at least have to stress personal, if not public, responsibility. If you play with fire, you could get hurt. That's common sense. Same with fireworks, riding a motorcycle or boating. Accept responsibility whatever you do.

Janet Wilmoth, Editor
jwilmoth@primediabusiness.com