Local

Hasbro responds after warning about fireworks mimicking My Little Pony toys

By Gina Esposito, wsoctv.com and Liz Foster
By Gina Esposito, wsoctv.com and Liz Foster

CONCORD, N.C. — The Concord Fire Department issued a warning about fireworks being sold locally that mimic My Little Pony and Pete's Dragon toys.

Officials said they are actually fireworks with wicks in the horn and tail of the toys.

Certain types of fireworks are illegal to buy in the state of North Carolina.

Adam Ryerson from the Concord Fire Department said the fire inspector discovered these toy look-a-likes during an inspection of a firework stand.

"It's very discouraging that these manufacturers are making these fireworks look like toys and in no way shape or form are these toys," Ryerson said.

Both fireworks spew sparks and flames in the air, and officials warn they can be dangerous for children and pets.

"The My Little Pony ones shoots smoke out of the backside and flames and sparks out of the front side," Ryerson said. "When we did our test two different projectiles came out of it."

Ryerson said the projectiles aspect of the unicorn is what makes it illegal in North Carolina.

Ryerson said if a parent sees these types of fireworks, he encourages them not to buy them.

If they do buy and use them, the only proper way to dispose of them is to put them in a bucket of water and leave them there for 24 hours.

"It's good to know so kids can be safe and make sure adults are setting off fireworks and kids aren't playing with something that are dangerous for them," Ryerson said.

The National Fire Protection Association reports an estimated 12,900 people were treated at emergency rooms for fire-related injuries in 2017. Children younger than 15 years old accounted for about 36 percent of those injuries.

Hasbro said they were working with the Concord Fire Department to file a cease and desist order against the manufacturer, and released the following statement:

“Hasbro does not manufacture fireworks, nor licenses any of our brands to fireworks manufacturers. We are troubled by recent reports of fireworks that are said to resemble My Little Pony characters and are immediately investigating. We encourage consumers to contact their local fire departments to learn about fireworks safety to have a safe 4th of July.”

Shoppers are still about to buy other fireworks that look like toys and are 'not' illegal including one that resembles "Pete's Dragon."

An owner of a fireworks stand Chris Leger told Channel 9's Liz Foster he will sell the products allowed by state law and despite how they look, kids will not be allowed to buy them.

"Fireworks sales is 18 and up," Leger said. "Across the board. So no dragons or unicorns or anything else that's marketed to kids will be sold to kids. They will only be sold to adults."

Read more top trending stories on wsoctv.com:

Cox Media Group

0

Most Read