Plainfield Fire Dept. Urges People To Use Fireworks Responsibly

PLAINFIELD, IL — As the July Fourth weekend draws near, neighborhoods will start reverberating with the sights and sounds of firecrackers. With that in mind, the Plainfield Fire Protection District is asking residents to commemorate the day safely.

"If you choose to celebrate with fireworks make sure the fireworks you use are legal in Illinois," the district said in a release Wednesday.

A list of legal fireworks can be found here.

Even novelty fireworks that are legal in Illinois have to be used safely by following instructions on the packaging for proper use, the release stated. Sparklers, which are legal in the state, account for the greatest number of fireworks injuries usually to children.

"Sparklers burn in excess of 1,200 degrees which is hot enough to turn steel glowing red and melt many metals. An instantaneous touch from a sparkler can ignite clothing on fire or cause a burn," the district said.

According to the National Fire Protection Association fireworks started an estimated 19,500 fires in 2018, including 1,900 structure fires, 500 vehicle fires, and 17,100 outside and other fires. The fires were caused by a combination of commercial, consumer and novelty fireworks.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal’s 2019 Seasonal Fireworks Injury Report states during June 23- July 20 last year, 56 healthcare facilities in Illinois reported 126 people were injured and one person was killed by fireworks. Comparatively, 44 hospitals reported 134 injuries during the same seasonal period in 2018. The decrease in reported injuries is more likely related to a decrease in the number of facilities reporting as there is no requirement for healthcare providers to report fireworks injuries.

Approximately half of all 126 injured persons suffered multiple injuries with children under 6 years of age and 7-10 years old accounting for 22 percent of all injuries.

The reported injuries were related to a wide variety of fireworks with sparklers listed as the most frequent type of fireworks or pyrotechnic effect involved in injury.

The Plainfield Fire Protection District suggests:

• Not allowing children to play or run around with sparklers
• Keeping a bucket of sand or water nearby to dispose the spent sparkler rod
• Not relighting or picking up fireworks that fail
• Not carrying fireworks in pockets
• Not using fireworks near structures or grassy areas
• Keeping a garden hose nearby when using fireworks

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