As Southern Illinois families prepare to celebrate Independence Day, state officials are urging residents to leave fireworks displays to the professionals and practice safe celebrations.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Office of the State Fire Marshal encourage residents to attend licensed public fireworks shows, noting that many consumer fireworks—including firecrackers, bottle rockets and Roman candles—are illegal in Illinois.
Officials also warn that sparklers, often considered harmless, can burn at temperatures exceeding 1,200 degrees, hot enough to cause severe burns within seconds.
State data shows fireworks send dozens of people to Illinois hospitals each year. Mortar-style fireworks account for the most injuries, followed by Roman candles, sparklers and bottle rockets. The hands, fingers and face are the body parts most frequently injured.
Parents are reminded to keep children away from fireworks and never allow young children to handle sparklers or other pyrotechnic devices without close adult supervision.
Anyone who experiences a fireworks-related injury or fire is urged to call 911 immediately.