Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More

Get hyperlocal forecasts, radar and weather alerts.

Please enter a valid zipcode.

PARMA, Ohio — Fireworks will light the sky throughout the Fourth of July weekend. The Parma Fire Department expressed its concerns over people’s safety when handling the explosives. 

T.J. Martin, public information officer for the Parma Fire Department, does not want people, especially kids, getting hurt during the holiday weekend because they weren’t careful when setting off fireworks.

“Don’t ever, ever, ever, please don’t ever let kids use fireworks,” he said. 

Anyone younger than the age of 18 cannot be within 150 feet of a 1.4 gram class firework, which are fireworks typically sold at stands for consumers.

Kids are still allowed to use things such as sparklers, but sparklers are can be dangerous too. A sparkler heat tested by Martin reached as hot as 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit. 

There are concerns about fireworks, such as burns, broken bones and potentially even death when mishandled. Martin expressed ways people can stay safe.

“Keep the kids away and limit the alcohol,” he said. “Or no alcohol would be best. Nobody under the influence is supposed to be in contact with any fireworks.”

He hopes people use common sense during the weekend and preferred if people left the use of fireworks to professionals.