Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 28, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 5 July 1916 — Indiana's Independence Day Record [ARTICLE]

Indiana's Independence Day Record

"Indiana’s fire record on the 4th of July in the last three years shows conclusively that lire prevention prevents,’’ says the state fire marshal. He called attention to the following facts as set forth in the report of the department’s activities for 1915: "The number of lire losses from fireworks used In Independence Day celebrations has decreased each year since the establishment of the office. The figures are 49 in 1913, 28 in 1914 and 10 In 1915. The number for 1915 includes those caused by fireworks on Saturday preceding and Monday succeeding Sunday, the 4th of July." This result is brought about by the exorcise of greater care by individuals and by the stricter supervision over the sale and use of fireworks by municipalities of the state. Each year the department has asked special watchfulness from fire chiefs, police superintendents, and other city officials by letter and from the public through the newspapers. The loss of life also shows a gratifying decrease. Thirty lives were lost In the United States last year on Independence Day, and 40 in 1914. So dangerous is the toy balloon that some states have entirely prohibited Its use. The most serious fire in Indiana last year during the celebration of the 4th occurred at Terre Haute where one of these gas-filled and inflammable balloons fell on a manufacturing plant. The damage was $1 2,000 to the property of the Terre Haute Paper company. “Every city in the state should pass an ordinance prohibiting the use of .the toy balloon," says the state fire marshal, “This action should be taken now while the people are Interested and before the merchants stock up for next year." That cities are liable In damages when property or life Is Injured during a fireworks display conducted with their approval, was decided by the supreme court when It affirmed a judgment against the city of Bloomington. A girl Injured by a skyrocket received the damages.