Officials Urge Caution When Using Fireworks

Public fireworks are back this 4th of July, but if you plan on setting off your own fireworks, state officials urge you to be safe.

Through July 3rd, state law allows people to light their own fireworks between 5 p.m. and two hours after sunset.

And on the 4th of July, it’s 10 a.m. to midnight.  Counties and cities may enact stricter regulations.

State Fire Marshal Joel Thacker urges people never to hold a firework while the fuse is lit.

“I've seen injuries where people have lost fingers or had some severe musculoskeletal injury to their hand, certainly injuries to the face, and eyes,” said Thacker.

He added that you should never re-light a firework that doesn’t go off the first time and always have a bucket of water on hand just in case.

“The sparklers in particular are ones that we tend to see folks let little kids have and wave around but those are really dangerous. They are extremely hot and can burn very easily.”

Thacker asked people to be considerate of their neighbors when using fireworks, and if you have pets, keep them inside for their safety.