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Fireworks Injuries Decrease in Augusta Despite National Surge

Families enjoy a safe Fourth of July celebration in Augusta as fireworks light up the sky.

News Summary

In a notable contrast to national statistics, the Augusta area has seen a decrease in fireworks-related injuries this year. During the Fourth of July weekend, nearly a dozen patients were treated at the local burn center, suggesting manageable incidents. Nationally, however, fireworks injuries surged by 52%. Additionally, a misfired firework caused a significant fire, damaging a home, while an unrelated shooting incident occurred during local celebrations. Authorities stress the importance of safety during such holiday festivities to prevent accidents and injuries.

Augusta, Maine – Fireworks-related injuries in the Augusta area have decreased this year, contrasting with national trends showing a significant rise. During the recent Fourth of July holiday weekend, nearly a dozen patients were treated at the burn center within Doctors Hospital, indicating manageable incidents associated with fireworks compared to the overall surge reported across the country.

National data released by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has highlighted a staggering 52% increase in fireworks injuries and deaths from the previous year, emphasizing the potential hazards associated with improper fireworks usage during holiday celebrations.

In a separate but related incident, a misfired firework caused a fire that nearly destroyed a home on Pleasant Hill Road. The fire ignited just after 9 p.m. on the Friday night before Augusta’s official fireworks display commenced, resulting in significant damage to the asphalt roof of the double-wide mobile home. Firefighters reported seeing flames emerging from the peak of the home, indicating a serious risk to the structure.

The complex roofing system of the home, which comprised an asphalt roof layered under a metal roof, created a void where the fire could burn unnoticed. Firefighters from multiple departments faced considerable challenges in accessing the flames, necessitating the demolition of the ceiling to effectively extinguish the fire. Reports indicate that three-quarters of the roof trusses were compromised, reflecting the severity of the blaze.

In addition to the home fire, an unrelated shooting incident occurred during one of the area’s fireworks celebrations. The incident took place at an apartment complex and resulted in one person being injured. The victim, initially believing he had sustained a firework-related injury, later confirmed he had been shot. The alleged shooter, 35-year-old Edwin Jerome Anderson, was apprehended and is facing multiple charges, including aggravated assault and illegal possession of a firearm.

Investigators revealed that Anderson had a prior felony conviction, rendering it illegal for him to possess a firearm. Eyewitness accounts suggest his demeanor appeared intoxicated during the incident, and it is suspected that the shooting was reckless rather than intentional. Besides the injured man, two additional women were present at the scene and were included as part of the aggravated assault charges against Anderson.

The Augusta Fire Department, assisted by firefighting units from Togus, Chelsea, and Vassalboro, managed the fire incident while other departments covered local fire stations. Homeowners William Creed and Kevin Curlew have valued their property at $92,600 for taxation purposes, underscoring the significance of the damage sustained during the fire.

As the Fourth of July holiday has historically been a time marked by celebrations and fireworks, the dual incidents in Augusta reflect critical safety issues related to these festivities. The decline in local injuries provides a hopeful note against the backdrop of national data, but these incidents serve as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with fireworks when not handled properly.

Authorities continue to stress the importance of safety and caution during such celebrations, reminding residents of the potential risks involved with fireworks and the need for responsible handling to prevent accidents and injuries.