American Pyrotechnics Association Urges End to Anti-Fireworks Campaigns to Help Make July 4th Holiday Safest Ever.

BETHESDA, Md. -- The leading trade association of the fireworks industry today urged anti-fireworks groups to end their "misleading" campaigns to ban consumer or backyard fireworks and instead join the industry and federal government in promoting safety.

Every year, a few weeks before the celebration of Independence Day, anti-fireworks groups including the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) wage a campaign against consumer fireworks use, alleging that fireworks are too risky for amateurs. Such campaigns mislead the public to think that consumer fireworks are unsafe, according to the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA). These campaigns also ignore the fact that more states than ever before allow the sale and use of consumer fireworks.

Consumer fireworks, such as cones, fountains and sparklers, are available for sale and use by private citizens in 43 states plus the District of Columbia. Connecticut, Maryland, Minnesota, and Vermont are the most recent states to modify their fireworks laws to allow consumer fireworks. "Today's consumer fireworks are strictly regulated, quite safe when used properly, and injuries have declined by almost 75% during the past decade," said Julie L. Heckman, APA's executive director.

Heckman says that the APA would like to see the NFPA and others that frown upon fireworks use, to tone down the anti-fireworks campaign and turn up the safety message. The NFPA is a powerful voice when it comes to public safety education. They have done a commendable job educating the public on fire safety and burn prevention with their other programs like Sparky the Fire Dog and Risk Watch. The APA believes that if the NFPA joined forces along with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, National Council on Fireworks Safety and fire departments across the country in promoting safety tips for responsible consumer fireworks use, that message would have a significant impact in helping to further reduce the misuse of fireworks.

"It's time for the NFPA to give up their 1910 campaign calling for a prohibition on consumer fireworks and recognize that 43 states permit consumer fireworks to be sold and used by the general public. By promoting responsible fireworks use, we can make 2004 the safest year yet for the millions of Americans that choose to use legal consumer fireworks," says Heckman.

About the American Pyrotechnics Association

The APA is the leading trade association of the fireworks industry. The APA supports and promotes safety standards for all aspects of fireworks. The APA has a diverse membership including regulated and licensed manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, importers and suppliers of fireworks, and professional display firms. Additional information about the fireworks industry, facts & figures, and state laws, can be found on APA's web site at www.americanpyro.com