The Prospect Heights Fire Protection District wants to remind its residents to be smart and safe this 4th of July Holiday weekend. Never leave children unattended with sparklers and remember that it is illegal to set off fireworks in Illinois.

In 2013 there were 11,400 firework-related injuries treated in emergency departments (31% increase from 2012) in which 65% of such injuries were treated between June 21st and July 21st. 40% of all injuries occurred to children under the age of 15. 62% of firework related injuries are burns, in 2013 second degree burns alone accounted for 41% of total firework-related injuries.
Each year, in the United States, more than 3,500 children and adults receive injuries from sparklers. Most people do not realize that the tip of sparkler can burn up to as high as 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is hot enough to warp, melt and sag steel. Many adults place a sparkler in the hands of a child, unaware of these such dangers.

Content provided by Illinois Fire Safety Alliance via IFSA.org