Fireworks aren’t safe at home, fire officials say

Chicago has banned the use and purchase of sparklers, which can reach up to 3,000 degrees and cause severe burns.

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CFD Deputy District Chief Walter Schroeder

Chicago Fire Department Deputy District Chief Walter Schroeder demonstrates how quickly a fire caused by a sparkler can spread on clothing.

Cindy Hernandez | Chicago Sun-Times

Fireworks don’t have to go “boom” to be dangerous in the wrong hands.

With Fourth of July celebrating already underway, Chicago Fire Department officials want people to know even something as simple as a sparkler also can be hazardous.

“The injuries that we see year-in and year-out range from minor burns to catastrophic life changing injuries such as lost fingers, loss of sight and unfortunately, even fatalities,” said Chicago Fire Commissioner Richard Ford II.

Illinois is one of four states that have banned using or buying fireworks — except for novelty items like sparklers and smoke bombs. Chicago has gone further and banned residents from using and buying sparklers and bottle rockets.

But laws are looser in Wisconsin and Indiana, so Chicago residents can buy the banned items there if they make the drive.

Sparklers can cause severe burns, since they reach temperatures of 1,800 to 3,000 degrees, Ford said.

According to a report by Illinois’ state fire marshal, 134 injuries due to fireworks were reported from June 23 through July 20 last year. About 10 percent were children under age 6.

During the Fourth of July weekend, the Chicago Fire Department will deploy extra ambulance crews, including two additional rescue boats – the water equivalent of an advanced life support ambulance. One will be dedicated to the Chicago River and the city’s popular downtown Riverwalk.

Officials encourage people to skip their home displays in favor of a larger public show, such as the one at Navy Pier Thursday night.

“We have one of the greatest firework displays in the nation,” said CFD Deputy District Chief Walter Schroeder. Using fireworks at home “is just too dangerous and if something were to happen, it could be at a great cost.” 

Contributing: Fran Spielman

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