Washington County Man Uses Same Fireworks as WW, Nearly Blows Off His Thumb

In the wake of our cover story examining Oregon's quixotic crusade against illegal fireworks, WW has been following with some interest the seasonal reports of explosives accidents.

So when a Washington County man had to have his thumb surgically reattached Sunday night when a mortar exploded in his hand, we noted what fireworks he was holding.

Turns out he bought the same fireworks we did.

Curtis Januik, a 27-year-old Rock Creek resident, allegedly purchased his fireworks in Vancouver, Wa., during the legal sales window. Photographs taken by the Washington County Sheriff of his stash show that he bought a popular mortar called That's Your Problem—its packaging shows Uncle Sam as a skull with one eyeball—and a pile of Roman candles.

He also bought a 24-pack mortar display called Excalibur—the same one WW launched in Camas last week for journalistic purposes.

We got a warning from the Camas police. Januik got his thumb nearly severed. Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue says he is expected to regain use of his thumb and fingers.

Tomorrow is the Fourth of July. Be careful out there.

WWeek 2015

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