2023-12-30 17:34:57
Last Christmas brought several unfortunate events for citizens who faced fires or problems with their pets. Carlos Gallardo, head of the V Command of the General Corps of Volunteer Firefighters of Peru in Callao, informed El Comercio that between 11:45 pm on December 24 and 2 am on December 25, more than 60 emergencies were attended. simultaneous in Lima and Callao, precisely due to fires caused by pyrotechnics. Given this situation, this newspaper spoke with specialists who explained the risks associated with the use of fireworks during the New Year’s Eve parties.
A user shared on social networks that a family member’s pet lost its life minutes following midnight on December 25. “Unfortunately, my cousin’s dog died from fireworks. “I’m always going to hate all those who blow up rockets,” she said. In response, several users expressed their support. “There are animals that get scared and escape, leaving them without family and unprotected. Some of them will not resist the noises and will die. Furthermore, there are children and neurodivergent people who will suffer while others set off rockets,” added citizen Adriana Chavéz.
Notice on social networks following the escape of a dog or cat due to the noise of fireworks.
Likewise, several users shared how their pets experienced the detonation of fireworks, showing that some animals suffered physical damage or experienced nervousness.
On the other hand, Juan Cardozo, a serene resident of the Villa El Salvador district, experienced a tragedy during the Christmas celebration. His home located in Lomo de Corvina, near the Oasis Oval, was consumed by a large fire. Witnesses claim that the fire started when a pyrotechnic device fell in the backyard of his house. The flames spread quickly due to the presence of flammable materials. His sister, Alicia Cardozo, confirmed that the fire was caused by said pyrotechnic device and regretted what happened.
Eight units of the Fire Department managed to control the fire following almost two hours (photo: gec).
Given all of the above, the risks associated with the use of fireworks are the following.
Trauma to animals
Veterinarian Pancho Cavero explained that when animals hear thunder, they instinctively tend to seek shelter and remain scared. “They experience a feeling of fear because they cannot identify where the sounds are coming from, which causes anxiety,” he said.
The expert stated that fireworks can cause nervous breakdowns, convulsions and trauma in animals, as well as physical damage and even death when they try to hide or escape. “This can happen with dogs, cats and other pets in general (…). Although I perceive that there is greater awareness on the part of some people, it is not generalized. More work needs to be done on promoting campaigns that discourage the use of rockets, thus encouraging empathy,” he added.
Cavero mentioned that animals have the ability to adapt. “Periodically, sounds of classical music can be played and, at the same time, loud sounds to try to adapt the dog or cat. This would be good desensitization training, but if it is done only on December 31, it will have no effect,” he explained.
When trying to escape or hide, animals can suffer physical harm.
However, he highlighted that the problem lies in the animals that are abandoned, since they will be forced to listen to the sounds and, in addition, when they become upset, they might run the risk of being run over. “They will really suffer a lot. People should show empathy towards animals. Although the reduction in the use of fireworks has been influenced by the campaigns, there is still work to be done, especially in the case of homeless animals on the streets,” she stated.
He added that dogs listen to any sound seven times more than humans. “While we reason more, they are guided by their senses. The ear is their fundamental tool and they have it highly developed (…). In case of loss of pets, it is important that they carry a tag with the owner’s information. In addition, it is essential to have written down the veterinary centers that are open 24 hours a day in the event of any emergency,” she commented.
Crisis for autistic children
Melisa Collazos, clinical child and adolescent psychologist, explained that children on the autism spectrum are also hypersensitive to the sounds of fireworks. “They are sensitive to household noises like blenders and vacuum cleaners. If those sounds are already uncomfortable, imagine the impact of a noise as loud as a firework. It can cause such intense discomfort that it generates various symptoms of irritability, fear and anxiety,” she stated.
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He highlighted that children with autism can even harm themselves due to these noises. “They can beat each other out of desperation. Pyrotechnics can cause many problems due to the hearing sensitivity they have. At the very least, they will be upset and screaming at the sounds,” she noted.
Milagro Huamán and her son Jimmy, who has autism, suffer every year because of the fireworks celebrations (Photo: Anthony Niño de Guzmán).
The specialist reported that autism is a condition that persists throughout life, so work is being done on adaptation. “For this reason, hypersensitivity is greater in children (…). When we talk regarding respect for differences, we understand that fireworks should be regulated more, but unfortunately there are those who do not do so and do not understand that we must be a kinder society for everyone,” she indicated.
Fire vulnerability
Carlos Gallardo, head of the V Command of the General Corps of Volunteer Firefighters of Peru in Callao, explained that the authorization for the commercialization of pyrotechnics is granted by the National Superintendency of Control of Security Services, Weapons, Ammunition and Explosives for Civil Use ( Sucamec). “The majority of incidents caused by fireworks are related to unauthorized artisanal devices. These tend to be projected and end up in spaces with flammable materials, causing disasters,” he commented.
He explained that the tiny particles present in fireworks can reach different surfaces and start fires. “We live in a country full of traditions that often lead us to carry out these types of activities. However, doing this in a city and urban areas is highly counterproductive. For this reason, fireworks should not be used in a city, since we lack an urban planning approach. In many places, homes are built with materials that are prone to burning, such as wood or plastic coverings. “This can cause incandescent particles to start fires in homes,” she said.
Homes made with flammable materials are more susceptible to damage from fireworks.
The commander stated that during the period between the fortnight of December and the first week of January there is an increase in emergencies caused by the use of fireworks. Likewise, he pointed out that the Fire Department has responded to more than 60 simultaneous emergencies between 11:45 and 2 in the morning on December 25 in Lima and Callao, specifically due to fires caused by pyrotechnics. “It is essential to prioritize the beginning of life. Fireworks should not be handled by children, since they are in the group with the highest incidence rate of amputations caused by these elements,” he expressed.
The Brigadier of the Fire Department, Jorge Canal, mentioned that particles from fireworks usually fall in the middle of patios or neighborhoods. “Everything that goes up must come down, and sometimes it descends in an incandescent state. “It is not appropriate for minors to use fireworks, not only because of the risk of fire, but also because of the health risk, as it can cause very serious injuries,” he said.
Air pollution, noise, and burns
Dr. Víctor Chura Villena, president of the Medical Corps of the Santa Rosa Hospital, stated that fireworks contain components such as sulfate, copper, lithium, magnesium, aluminum, among others, which generate serious pollution problems. “They can cause respiratory damage, poisoning and even death. It would be ideal to have a pill or syrup to counteract these effects, but it does not exist. Therefore, the only thing to do is avoid places where people are detonating rockets,” he said.
Cases of burns and amputations increase during the New Year holidays by up to 10%, according to the Minsa.
He added that these elements can also cause burns and injuries to the body due to poor handling, which might result in scars and even amputations.
Dr. Cinthya Evangelista Medina, coordinator of the Emergency and Disaster Monitoring area of the Arzobispo Loayza National Hospital of the Minsa, stated that people who have asthma or Covid-19 symptoms are more susceptible to developing obstructive respiratory diseases. “In addition, we have treated patients with third-degree burns and amputations due to this reason. In December, the number of patients admitted for problems associated with the use of fireworks increases by 10%,” she indicated.
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He noted that adults responsible for minors should avoid purchasing these products. “It will also affect the auditory part; This type of device can generate up to 190 decibels of noise, when the normal amount that a person can tolerate is 60 to 110. A higher level can lead to deafness,” she added.
Miguel Pérez Pino, coordinator of the Intensive Care Unit of the Burn Sub Unit of the San Borja National Institute of Children’s Health, mentioned that negligence is often observed in the care of parents or guardians. “On the 25th we received a teenager with burns on his face and hand due to the use of fireworks, and he had to remain hospitalized for a couple of days (…). The more intense the explosion is, the more serious injuries will be caused. In addition, the impact can generate internal injuries in the body, which will lead to serious consequences such as heart and respiratory failure,” he explained.
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