Yuma, AZ - With Independence Day, comes beautiful fireworks shows across the country. The Yuma Fire Department says things can turn ugly if people don't obey the laws or aren't careful when using legal fireworks.
"Every year more fires happen on the 4th of July then any other day of the year and half are due to fire works especially in a place like Arizona that's very dry," says Mike Erfert with the Yuma Fire Department.
All fire works were illegal in Arizona at one point according to YFD. However they say in the last couple years some have become legal, but that doesn't mean they are safe to use.
YFD says close to 9,000 people are treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms for fireworks related injuries and 1/3 of those injuries involved fireworks that federal and state regulations permit consumers to use.
"Considering the consequences, where burn injuries can be so severe, even something as simple as a sparkler , that's something that burns 1,000 degrees, a red hot piece of metal in a child's hand, that's not a toy," says Erfert.
YFD says people should be aware of what they are purchasing, they say any fireworks that fly or explode are not legal in Arizona.
YFD also says people buying fireworks from any city or town should be familiar with the laws in their area.
"Certainly be conscious of where you are, there might be some differences city to city, county to county, that still are keeping fireworks from be sold . You may be able to buy it there but that doesn't mean you can use it there," says Erfert.
YFD recommends for people to check out the professional fireworks displays going on in the area if they want to stay safe, rather then purchasing consumer fireworks they may find at the store.
Social Tools