Have a happy and fire safe 4th of July! Leave the fireworks to the professionals

While fireworks are often synonymous with the celebration of Independence Day, these colorful displays can cause serious injuries, significant property damage and even death.

During the past 10 years, 778 fires and 650 explosions have been ignited by fireworks across Virginia, according to the Virginia Fire Incident Reporting System. The Commonwealth has seen a tremendous increase in total number of fireworks-related incidents, with a total of 105 fireworks-related incidents in 2016 compared to only 34 incidents in 2015.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, hospitals across the country treated 11,900 firework-related injuries during calendar year 2015. And 11 people died as a result of their injuries.

“Fireworks, by their very nature, are dangerous combustible substances,” Virginia State Fire Marshal Brian McGraw was quoted as saying in a press release.

“The safest way to prevent fireworks-related injuries and property damage is to leave fireworks to trained professionals.  I encourage all Virginians to enjoy fireworks this Fourth of July at one of the many free, safe professional fireworks displays.”

Be aware that permissible fireworks, such as sparklers, are just as dangerous and their use can lead to serious injuries and property damage.

Sparklers burn at a temperature of more than 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to cause third-degree burns. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were an estimated 1,900 emergency department-treated injuries associated with sparklers in 2015.

###