SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – While many communities are discouraging the use of fireworks at home because of the recent drought that has let up somewhat, many might not heed that warning, so state officials are urging safety.
For one, State Fire Marshal’s Office spokesman JC Fultz says don’t use fireworks in your backyard.
“There are other options that you can use – such as glow sticks, silly string. Those are safe options for kids,” said Fultz. “We always want to give a kid a sparkler, because we think that’s a safe option. But, sparklers burn in excess of 1,200 degrees. That’s hot enough to melt glass. That’s hot enough to make steel glow red.”
Fultz says 168 people were injured from fireworks use in Illinois last year.
“Second-degree burns were the leading type of injury, followed by first-degree burns,” said Fultz. “Also, unfortunately, during this reporting period, 20 dismemberments or amputation injuries were caused by fireworks alone in Illinois. That is up from seven last year.”
So, you might want to leave the fireworks to the professionals, said Fultz – like Carl Health Red White and Boom, brought home by Adam Merrick Real Estate, this Tuesday night along the Peoria and East Peoria riverfronts. The forecast, as of Sunday, calls for warm, dry weather in the Peoria area on Independence Day.
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