Joplin Fire Departments’ Dustin Lunow talks Idaho active shooter, July 4th safety

It was a somber weekend for firefighters across the country as everyone watched the events in Idaho unfold where a brush fire was reportedly set intentionally to lure the first-responding firefighters into an ambush, with two firefighters losing their lives.

Joplin Fire Department’s Dustin Lunow joined the Morning NewsWatch and gave his thoughts on the sad situation over the weekend.

“I know words fail at a moment like this,” Lunow said. “It’s senseless. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the members in Idaho, the family members, especially. The fire service is a brotherhood and we are just taken back. We’re not sure what to say. We’re not sure what to do. We just want them to know that they are in our thoughts and prayers. And I don’t know what the point is to any of this senseless, needless violence, especially coming up on the anniversary of our nation’s freedom. So, again, ask God to watch over our first responders nationwide and especially in our four state area.”

Speaking of Independence Day, firework safety is at the top of the priority list. Sales of fireworks began June 20 inside brick and mortar stores. Fireworks tents have been popping up all over town, with July 1st being the first day you can purchase from them.

By the Joplin city ordinance, fireworks are permitted to be shot off July 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th between noon and 11 p.m.

“Just be cognizant of your neighbors,” Lunow said. “Just be a good neighbor. Don’t be setting stuff off super late. You set it off too late, you’re probably going to have a fire marshal or an officer come visit you anyway. And you don’t want that and we don’t want that. So again, it’s those times. It stops at 11 p.m. so please, please, please pay attention to that if you’re in the city of Joplin. And I would call that more of a good neighbor policy more than anything else.”

With safety in mind, it’s best to keep your distance from fireworks, Lunow said. While there has been a lot of rain in the area as of late, it’s still best to have a firehose, fire extinguisher or even a pale of sand handy in case of an emergency.

It’s also important to dispose of your used fireworks properly. Douse them in water to help make sure they are out and then set them in a pile in your driveway away from anything combustible overnight to ensure they’re put out. The last thing you want to do is throw them in the trash, which could ignite over night and risk your home burning down.

Lunow also noted to be careful when handling fireworks, especially if you let your little kids use sparklers. 

“Understand that sparklers burn at about 1500 degrees,” Lunow said. “So, be careful with that. Those sparks can drop in people’s hair or on their feet or legs or hands or whatever, and it very easily makes just little spot burns. So, be careful with that with your kiddos because they can take and touch somebody with it. Not meaning to, they get very hot.”

With the Fourth of July quickly approaching, the Joplin Fire Department wants you to have a safe and happy holiday.