Key West The Newspaper

The Key West Fire Department is reminding everyone to use extra safety precautions as we go into the Fourth of July holiday. That means stay away from any kind of home fireworks and, instead, enjoy the public display off White Street Pier.

“Remember, if it explodes or if it flies, it’s illegal,” said Key West Fire Chief David Fraga. “So we’re encouraging everyone to just come out and enjoy the display being sponsored by the Rotary Club.”

The Fire Department will be diligent about stopping illegal displays. The density of wooden structures on the island makes Key West a potential tinder box. In fact, even the public fireworks display might have been in jeopardy if it weren’t being displayed over the water.

Sparklers are about the only type of fireworks legal in Key West, other than the fully permitted public display at the White Street Pier. But even sparklers can be dangerous. They burn at an amazing 1200 degrees Fahrenheit.