Injury, small fires blamed on fireworks

LIHUE — A 28-year-old man sustained serious injuries to his right hand in a fireworks related incident in Wailua Houselots shortly after midnight on New Year’s Eve.

The man and his friends were setting off fireworks when a firecracker thrown by the victim exploded midair about two to four feet away him, which resulted in serious injuries to his right hand.

Engine 2 and Medic 23 responded to the scene. Upon their arrival, they found that the victim’s friends had applied compression and had elevated his injured hand, which helped to control the bleeding. The first responders took over treating the victim, and the medics then transported him to Wilcox Hospital.

Firefighters also responded to several other incidents that were likely fireworks related, including two small brush fires in Waimea and Kalaheo, each approximately 100 square feet, and a rubbish bin fire in Puhi.

“Caution should always be exercised when igniting fireworks in order to prevent fires and injuries,” said Battalion Chief Albert Kaui.

Info: Fire Prevention Bureau, 241-4985.