KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Dandridge Fire Department said the fireworks stand is just one of two fundraisers each year.
"It does seem sort of ironic," said Deputy Chief Stephen Williams. "I look at it from an aspect of at least when they come in and they get them from us, the money's going towards a good cause."
The stand provides the department with extra funding that becomes more crucial each year.
"This budget year coming up, we've actually taken a $26,000 cut on our budget for the following year," said Williams. "So this fundraiser is even more important to us this year than it has been in the previous years."
Williams said the stand can bring in enough to purchase the necessary equipment.
"The amount of money that we make on the fireworks stand for a two-week period, one time a year," said Williams. "It's enough money for us to outfit four to five firefighters with all the personal protective equipment that they need."
With the fourth of July approaching, the department has one goal in mind.
"Our goal is to not have anything left in the afternoon of July the fourth so that all the firemen that's volunteered their time can go home and spend time with their families," said Williams.
He also said the stand is a great opportunity to educate the public on the dangers of fireworks.
"Everybody that comes in, we can educate them on the dangers of the fireworks, because they are not toys. They are not for children. They're for adults and children to enjoy," said Williams.
He said there are precautions people can take to stay safe, like making sure adults use the fireworks, keeping a bucket of water or sand nearby and monitoring their children at all times.