Firework Safety a Top Priority For State Fire Marshal

SPRINGFIELD – The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal advises leaving fireworks to professionals to avoid risks like accidental fires, injuries, and deaths. Fireworks cause over 10,000 fires in the United States each year, injuring or killing dozens. Sparklers, burning at over 1200 degrees, are particularly dangerous and often injure young children. Most years, over 100 serious injuries from fireworks were reported around the holiday, with burns, lacerations, and dismemberments among the most common injuries. Fireworks can also terrify and endanger animals, causing them to flee or suffer health effects. To protect pets and wildlife, keep them calm and safe during fireworks displays.