July 2, 2002 * 02-45-01

(SUQUAMISH, Kitsap County) -- A young man was airlifted to a Seattle hospital last evening with serious injuries following an incident involving improper use of so-called "safe and sane" fireworks to build a home-made pipebomb.

North Kitsap Fire & Rescue (NKF&R) crews were called to a home on Cherry Tree Lane shortly after 9:00pm. Arriving at the scene, they found smoke pouring from the house's garage and four injured persons outside the structure. The most seriously injured, an 18 year-old male, was bleeding severely and lost at least one finger from his left hand in the blast. He sustained burns and multiple deep lacerations to the same arm and wrist. He suffered additional deep lacerations -- most likely caused by flying metal shards -- to his chest, abdomen and thigh as well as burns to his hair and his face. Crews summoned an Airlift Northwest helicopter to transport the man to Harborview Medical Center. Another 18 year-old male suffered lacerations to his chest and legs, and was taken by aid unit to Bremerton's Harrison Memorial Hospital. Another 18 year-old male declined medical treatment, and the mother of a 17 year-old female authorized crews to release her into the care of that young man.

The young people told crews that they'd been stuffing parts of common ("safe and sane") fireworks into a copper pipe in an effort to make an explosive device -- at least the second one that they'd made that day. Earlier, the group told officials, they'd successfully detonated a similar one on the beach. When last evening's blast occured, the most seriously injured man had been holding the device with his left hand while attempting to crimp its end by pounding on it with a hammer.

Although this incident involved blatant and illegal misuse of common fireworks, officials stress that all fireworks have the potential to cause serious damage and injury -- especially under these circumstances. Over 8,500 injuries are caused by fireworks every year in the United States with 97% of the harm suffered in incidents involving private or amateur use. That's why fire officials encourage enjoyment of public displays, often saying "Leave fireworks to the professionals."

Suquamish Tribal Police and the Kitsap County Sheriff's Office are investigating. Although the individual components used in this incident aren't prohibited, according to a bomb technician with the Sheriff's Office, the use of any materials with the purpose of constructing a bomb comprises a felony offense under both state and federal laws.