Office of the State Fire Marshal urges residents to stay away from
fireworks
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[July 03, 2013]
SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois
Office of the State Fire Marshal reminds residents about the
undeniable dangers linked to the use of fireworks, including
sparklers and firecrackers, which burn at a temperature of more than
1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. That temperature is hot enough to cause
third-degree burns. Any activity that involves the use of fireworks
posts a potential risk for fires or incidents that could result in
serious injuries.
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"This Fourth of July, leave fireworks to the professionals by
attending public community firework events in a safe environment,"
said Larry Matkaitis, state fire marshal. In Illinois last year,
259 fireworks-related incidents were reported, which resulted in
nearly $600,000 losses. In 2011, 9,600 injuries were treated in
hospitals across the country, according to the U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission.
The National Fire Protection Association indicates that 2 out of
5 fires reported in the U.S. during Fourth of July holiday
celebrations are caused by fireworks. In addition, NFPA shows that
each Fourth of July, thousands of people are injured while using
consumer fireworks. Most of those injured are children 5-14 years
old.
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It is important to note that this year sky lanterns are now
officially included in the list of illegal fireworks in Illinois.
OSFM reminds the public that in Illinois it is illegal to possess,
purchase or use consumer fireworks without a consumer display permit
obtained from local authorities. Individuals caught with controlled
consumer fireworks in Illinois without the necessary display permit
could be subject to arrest.
For more information about fireworks safety, visit
www.sfm.illinois.gov.
[Text from
Office of the State Fire
Marshal file
received from the
Illinois Office of Communication and Information] |