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Lorain fireworks fire threatens neighborhood, firefighters issue a warning

Fireworks spark tree fire, multiple units respond
Posted at 10:56 PM, Jun 30, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-30 22:59:23-04

Lorain fire officials issued a warning to all residents, after fireworks touched off a tree fire that threatened an Indiana Avenue neighborhood.

Investigators say the fire was started by a resident who was shooting fireworks into the air in celebration of the Cavaliers NBA Championship victory, but by 12:30 a.m. the celebration sparked a huge tree in his back yard.

Neighbors told newsnet5.com the incident called four fire trucks to the scene as fire fighters kept the flames from spreading to near-by homes.

Lorain Fire Headquarters responded with a full page warning on its Facebook page, reminding residents that using fireworks remains illegal.

Investigators pointed to the latest U.S. fire statistics that show fireworks cause more than 10,500 injuries every year, and that 47% of all fires reported on July 4th are caused by fireworks.

Fire officials also warned that anyone caught starting a fire through use of fireworks could face serious charges, a fine and even jail time.

The relatively dry weather has also made northeast Ohio even more susceptible to fires caused fireworks this up-coming 4th of July weekend.