Leave Fireworks To the Pros: Plainfield Fire Dept

PLAINFIELD, IL — The Plainfield Fire Protection District is asking everyone to please leave the fireworks show to the professionals due to the risk of injuries and fires associated with fireworks. Fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires per year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 16,900 outside and other fires.

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These fires caused 3 deaths, 40 injuries, and approximately $43 million in direct property damage (statistics from the National Fire Protection Association).

The Consumer Product Safety Commission states that more than 69 percent of annual fireworks injuries are burns. Most injuries involve hands, fingers, the head, face and ears.

Even novelty fireworks that are legal in Illinois are not without risk. Sparklers typically burn between 1,200 and 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit and the metal rod stays hot enough to cause significant burns even after the sparkler goes out.

Some safety tips:

• If you celebrate with sparklers keep a bucket of sand or water nearby to dispose of the spent sparkler rod.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using fireworks. Never pick up or relight any fireworks that fail.
• Don’t carry fireworks in your pocket.
• Don’t use fireworks near structures or grassy areas.
• Always keep a garden hose nearby when using fireworks.

Make sure the fireworks you have are legal in Illinois. For a listing of approved and prohibited fireworks visit the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s website. For videos demonstrating the dangers of fireworks please visit the National Fire Protection Association’s website.

The Plainfield Fire Protection District urges everyone to celebrate safety and wishes everyone a safe and happy Independence Day holiday.

Article via Plainfield Fire Protection District. Photo via FEMA