Consumer Fireworks Come in Many Styles: Part Two

June is the season for the purchase of consumer fireworks. In preparation for the July 4^th holiday, many folks purchase fireworks for their own use in addition to viewing large displays that are operated by licensed professionals. In those jurisdictions where the sale of fireworks is legal, many stores spring up in empty strip malls and other normally vacant buildings.

Many different types of fireworks are available for purchase. Walking into a fireworks retail store can at times be a little overwhelming. So many different products are displayed, and one really needs to know what different types of fireworks actually do when the fuse is lit.

The following are some of the most commonly purchased consumer fireworks. Additional styles of fireworks can be found here.

Roman Candles One of the top consumer fireworks sellers is the Roman candle. These long cardboard tubes are filled with either six or eight balls that shoot from the end of the tube after the fuse is lit. Many different sizes are available with a variety of effects ranging from colored flaming balls to sparkling and crackling reports. Roman candles are not designed to be held in the hand. They are best used by sticking the end into a bucket of sand or loose dirt.

Rockets Who hasn't enjoyed shooting off a handful of bottle rockets? These foot long small rockets usually whistle on the way up and end with a loud report or bang. Larger skyrockets are also available with some reaching pretty dramatic heights before they explode with either a star like shell or with a crackling report or strobe like effects. Some stores offer skyrockets up to 5 feet in length. These big rockets are often fitted with an artillery shell for the end result.

Pinwheels These nifty devices are designed to be attached to a fence or a post with a nail. They are made of several drivers set in a circular pattern. Once lit, these drivers go off in sequence causing the device to spin around the center throwing sparks in a huge circle. Very impressive effects can be obtained with the use of these wheels.

Sparklers The only firework designed to be held in the hand, sparklers are a mainstay of any July fouth celebration. Two kinds are available. The metal rod type emits showers of silver or gold sparks. The wood stick kind, most often called Morning Glories, usually have three stages: the first is a colorful display of red flame followed by a spurt of crackling sparks and ending with a display of green flame. Be careful with sparklers, especially the metal rod kind. Once the sparkler is done, the metal rod will remain hot for quite a while. Have a bucket of water handy in which to drop the spent rods.

Always be extremely careful when shooting your own fireworks. Be aware of the hazards involved, and keep kids away. Have a fire extinguisher handy or a garden hose nearby. Fireworks can be fun. They can also hurt. Have a safe July 4^th.

Source:
Personal experience