ew Lenox, IL – With Independence Day celebrations approaching, fire officials across Illinois are warning residents to take fireworks safety seriously amid alarming statistics from the past year.
According to data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and shared by the New Lenox Fire District this week, an estimated 9,700 Americans were treated in emergency rooms in 2023 for fireworks-related injuries. The report also cites that 19,500 fires in the U.S. each year are attributed to fireworks use.
The data highlights particular concern for children: 51% of fireworks injuries in children under five years old were linked to sparklers, and 67% of total injuries occurred in males. Burns made up 42% of all reported injuries, primarily affecting hands, fingers, faces, and eyes. Tragically, fireworks also contributed to eight deaths nationwide last year.
Officials say 66% of these injuries occurred in the weeks immediately before and after the July 4th holiday.
“Even something as seemingly harmless as a sparkler burns at nearly 2,000 degrees and can cause severe harm,” New Lenox Fire District posted in a safety alert on social media Friday.
Fire safety experts recommend several precautions: never allow children to handle fireworks, avoid relighting duds, keep water nearby, and refrain from using fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
The New Lenox Fire District encourages residents to attend public fireworks displays handled by licensed professionals, rather than attempting their own.
“Protect your family and leave fireworks to the professionals,” the district emphasized.
Fire departments across Illinois are joining a national push to remind the public that celebratory fireworks are a leading cause of seasonal fires and preventable injuries each summer. With Fourth of July festivities days away, officials stress now is the time to plan for a safe holiday.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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