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With the fireworks season upon us, it behooves one and all to remember last summer's tragic incident involving Bridger Hunt.
Yes, remember how an exploding homemade firework just about took the 11-year-old Lehi boy's life. A neighbor reportedly was trying to entertain neighborhood children for the July 24th holiday when something went horribly awry. The device exploded, sending metal shards through Bridger's left leg and torso.
Through immediate emergency care and ongoing, costly medical treatment, Bridger beat the odds and somehow survived. Family members consider it miraculous he didn't lose his leg.
As for the neighbor, his ill-fated attempt to exhilarate neighbors with his fireworks resulted in a guilty plea to a third-degree felony. To his credit, he is committed to paying restitution and helping with Bridger's enormous medical bills. His family, too, will never be the same.
In remembering Bridger Hunt this patriotic and celebratory season, it is also good to remember that restrictions on many fireworks are in place for a reason. They're dangerous. They can cause both property and bodily harm. Far too often, innocent onlookers get hurt.
Let the story of Bridger Hunt be a reminder to use common sense and to follow established laws and regulations when it comes to the use of fireworks.
