Every year across the state, accidental fires, burn injuries, loss of limbs, and deaths occur due to the use of fireworks.

Every year across the state, accidental fires, burn injuries, loss of limbs, and deaths occur due to the use of fireworks.

"Home fireworks used around the 4th of July holiday are a dangerous tradition that leads to injuries that are preventable by simply leaving fireworks to the professionals," Illinois State Fire Marshal Matt Perez said in a press release. "It’s important to check with your local community to see what is and isn’t allowed when it comes to novelty items such as sparklers, snappers, and poppers."

An estimated 19,500 fires started by fireworks were reported to local fire departments in the US during 2018, according to the National Fire Protection Association. These fires caused five deaths, 46  injuries, and $105 million of indirect property damage in the U.S. 

Sparklers account for the greatest number of fireworks injuries, and often to the youngest victims. Sparklers burn in excess of 1,200 degrees – an instantaneous touch will cause a burn and may result in permanent damage or scarring.

During the July seasonal reporting period, 60 hospitals and facilities reported a total of 202 fireworks-related injuries and one fatality during the 2021 reporting period.

Over half of all injuries (57%) occurred to persons over 22 years of age. Children’s injuries in the 11-16 age group increased (29) from the previous year of 23. More than 50% of all injuries affected hands, followed by injuries to the head/face and eyes. Second-degree burns were the leading type of injury followed by first-degree burns.

If consumer fireworks are legal to buy where you live and you choose to use them, be sure to follow the following safety tips from the National Safety Council:

Dominic Genetti was born and raised in St. Louis and has been in the media industry since 2003. He holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Northwest Missouri State University, and has covered a variety of subjects including hard news, courts, enterprise features, and sports. From 2011 to 2013, Genetti wrote a syndicated baseball column that published daily throughout the country. He was also awarded the "Community Service" award from the Missouri Press Association for his efforts to bring light to a historic cemetery in disrepair in Hannibal, Missouri. Multimedia coverage is also part of Genetti's repertoire. In 2011 he was named the GateHouse Media Videographer of the Year. Genetti has worked for newspapers in Missouri, Iowa, Texas, and Illinois.