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Leave fireworks to the professionals for celebrations

Posted 7/4/20

Fireworks, sparklers, firecrackers and bottle rockets can cause injuries and fires, ruining a holiday celebration.

The best and safest way to enjoy the Fourth of July is to leave fireworks …

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Leave fireworks to the professionals for celebrations

Posted

Fireworks, sparklers, firecrackers and bottle rockets can cause injuries and fires, ruining a holiday celebration.

The best and safest way to enjoy the Fourth of July is to leave fireworks displays to the professionals and view from a distance, according to a release from the International Association of Fire Fighters.

Though legal in many states, consumer fireworks are extremely dangerous if not handled properly. It’s important to take extra precautions when near or handling fireworks. This includes sparklers, firecrackers and bottle rockets, which can cause injuries and fires, ruining holiday celebrations. Sparklers can burn at temperatures well over 1,000 degrees.

In 2017, sparkler injuries sent nearly 1,200 children to the emergency room, according to the release.

More than 10,000 people are treated for fireworks-related injuries every year, with most of those injuries occurring around the Fourth of July holiday. More than one-third of those injuries involve children under 15.

Mishandled fireworks also cause fires, with July among the busiest days for professional firefighters. Fireworks started an estimated 19,500 fires last year, including 1,900 structure fires, 500 vehicle fires and 17,100 outside and other fires, according to the release.

These words of advice are important to keep in mind, as a recent incident in the West Valley had the potential to be fatal.

According to the Glendale Fire Department, nearly 4,000 pounds of illegal fireworks were found at a home near 75th and Northern avenues on June 25. The residents of the home are under investigation for possible charges.

Glendale officials said the fireworks had the potential to cause severe injuries or even death had they exploded in close proximity to each other.

While do-it-yourself firework displays may seem like fun, firefighters urge resisting the temptation and instead enjoying one of the many professional displays in the community.

Across the Valley, some cities are not conducting their Fourth of July celebrations. Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Chandler and Surprise are some of them.

Call 911 in the event of an emergency.