During the festive season, Mexico has witnessed a marked increase in firework-related injuries and incidents, prompting local governments to take decisive action. With celebrations ramping up for Christmas and New Year's, health officials have reported alarming statistics indicating numerous accidents involving fireworks, particularly affecting children.
On December 24, the municipal government of Tijuana led by Mayor Ismael Burgueño Ruiz announced plans to conduct supervision and control operations against illegal firework sales. "It is prohibited to use rockets, explosives, firecrackers, and similar items throughout the municipality of Tijuana," stated the mayor, reflecting the city's commitment to public safety during the celebratory season, as reported by AFN.
Jose Antonio Olivas Heredia, the Director of Inspection and Verification Municipal, emphasized the importance of maintaining order and ensuring compliance with local noise regulations. Approximately 37 inspectors are involved to enforce these safety measures zealously, aiming to prohibit the use of dangerous pyrotechnics during celebrations.
The situation across the state escalated when Roy Navarrete Cuevas, head of the State Civil Protection Institute of Sinaloa, reported the seizure of over 693 kilograms of illegal fireworks throughout various municipalities, including notable confiscations of 510 kilograms from Escuinapa alone. "We have registered 59 accidents; there has been an increase," Cuevas remarked during a press conference, pointing to the urgent need for enhanced safety measures.
Among the reported injuries, the case of José Eduardo, a 9-year-old boy from Guasave, stood out. He suffered severe burns from handling fireworks with his father. Cuitláhuac González Galindo, Secretary of Health of Sinaloa, confirmed the child sustained first and second-degree burns on his left leg and required medical transport to the Hospital General de Los Mochis for specialized care.
Despite continuous warnings from officials about the dangers of fireworks, incidents involving children continue to surface, highlighting the need for parental vigilance. "These types of accidents are occurring all too often during the holiday season," noted Gonzalez, reinforcing calls to parents against allowing children to use pyrotechnics.
Navarrete Cuevas' report indicated the injury cases were distributed across various municipalities: Ahome (13 cases), El Fuerte (3), Guasave (9), Sinaloa municipality (1), Angostura (2), Culiacán (14), Navolato (2), Mazatlán (12), Concordia (1), and Escuinapa (2). The recent trend emphasizes the urgency for the state to continue its campaign advocating for firework safety. The consecutive accidents have also fueled discussions about the efficacy of existing regulations surrounding fireworks during holiday festivities.
Compounding the issue, local authorities have also noted 28 fires attributed to fireworks this season, including incidents reported across the state: four fires occurred in Ahome, three in Guasave, ten in Culiacán, and others scattered throughout the region. Health and safety officers are working diligently with local communities to create more awareness surrounding the safe usage of fireworks and are deploying educational campaigns to mitigate risks.
Meanwhile, Gonzalo Puerta Quintana, President of Shriners of Petatlán, has been searching for José Eduardo to offer assistance for his recovery with no success so far. "We will support the child's recovery without judgment," Puerta Quintana stated, encouraging the boy’s family to reach out for help. He highlighted the organization's goal is purely to assist medically without pushing any obligations onto the family.
Recognizing the seriousness of the matter, officials have emphasized the other safety frameworks at play beyond firework usage. Amply stated campaigns promoting safe transportation, including using seatbelts and discouraging alcohol consumption when driving, are being reinforced. Cuevas underlined the directive: "We are actively promoting traveler safety this season, especially for families on the road."
To conclude, the conversation surrounding firework safety is intensifying as local governments reinforce regulations and educate communities on the dangers posed by pyrotechnics. With statistics reflecting grim realities, the collective voice from government officials and safety organizations urgently calls for families to prioritize safety, both for themselves and their children. Families are encouraged to explore safer forms of entertainment during the festivities and avoid using fireworks altogether to prevent potential accidents.
