đŸ”„ The Firehouse Journal

Stories, Safety & Service from Your Local First Responders
Welcome to The Firehouse Journal—your inside look at life behind the sirens. We will periodically share practical fire and home safety tips, community updates, volunteer spotlights, and ways you can get involved with the Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company.
Whether you’re here to stay informed, stay safe, or find your place in the fire service family, you’ll find it all right here.
Check out our latest articles HERE —fresh from the station.

🎆 Fireworks: Safety Tips for the 4th of July

Celebrate Safely—Without Sparking an Emergency

The 4th of July is one of the most anticipated celebrations of the year—filled with cookouts, parades, and of course
 fireworks. But while those bright bursts of color light up the sky, they also light up emergency rooms and start thousands of fires every summer.

At Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company, we love Independence Day just as much as you do. But we’ve also seen firsthand how quickly a festive moment can turn into a dangerous one. That’s why we’re sharing these simple, important safety tips to keep your 4th of July fun, fire-safe, and injury-free.

🎇 Know the Law

Before anything else: check your local and state laws regarding fireworks. Some types may be illegal, restricted, or require permits.

  • Legal ≠ Safe. Even sparklers burn at nearly 2,000°F—hot enough to melt metal.
  • Attend professional displays when possible—they’re safer, more impressive, and handled by trained experts.

🧹 If You Choose to Use Fireworks at Home

If personal fireworks are legal in your area and you choose to use them, here’s how to reduce your risk:

📍 Set Up Safely

  • Use fireworks only outdoors in a clear, open area—away from homes, vehicles, trees, dry grass, and flammable materials.
  • Keep a bucket of water, hose, or fire extinguisher nearby at all times.
  • Never point or throw fireworks at people, pets, homes, or anything flammable.

🧠 Light with Caution

  • Follow all manufacturer instructions on each item.
  • Only light one firework at a time. Back up quickly and never lean over to light.
  • Never relight a “dud.” Wait 15–20 minutes, then soak it in water.

đŸš« Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don’t use fireworks if you’ve been drinking.
  • Don’t let young children handle fireworks—sparklers included.
  • Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them from a container.

💧 Clean-Up Matters

  • Soak used fireworks in water before disposing of them in a metal trash can.
  • Walk your yard after the celebration to pick up debris, especially if you have pets or young children.

đŸŸ Keep Pets Safe Too

Fireworks can be terrifying for animals. To protect your pets:

  • Keep them indoors in a quiet room with distractions like music or TV.
  • Make sure they have updated ID tags or microchips—many pets run away on the 4th.
  • Never bring them to a fireworks show or let them roam outside during celebrations.

🚒 We’re On Call—But Hope You Don’t Need Us

At Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company, we’re proud to serve and protect our community year-round, but we’d rather enjoy the fireworks with you—not respond to them. A few smart choices can prevent serious injuries, fires, and property damage.

Let’s keep the “boom” in the sky, not in your backyard.

đŸ”„ Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company Needs You

We’re your neighbors, friends, and family—100% volunteer and always ready to answer the call. But we can’t do it alone.

Whether you’re interested in firefighting or supporting behind the scenes, there’s a role for you at Rainbow Lakes Volunteer Fire Company. No experience needed—we’ll provide the training, gear, and support.

Are you ready to make a difference? [Click here to learn more and get involved]