Norwood Fire Department: Leave Fireworks to Professionals

The Norwood Fire Department issued a release Monday urging local residents to "Be Smart... Leave the Fireworks to the Professionals."

In 2010, the Norwood Fire Department was called to a structure fire in a shed caused by fireworks. The fire also ignited a nearby fence. Damages were estimated at $7,500.

A similar fire occurred in nearby Canton, causing $4,600 worth of damage.

According to a special study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), fireworks were involved in an estimated 9,600 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms last year. Over 1,000 of those injuries were associated with sparklers and about 300 with bottle rockets.

"For thousands of consumers, last year's 4th of July celebration ended with a visit to the emergency room," CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum said in a press release. "CPSC wants you to understand the risks with legal and illegal fireworks, in order to prevent an injury, or worse, during this holiday."

Possession and use of all fireworks by private citizens is illegal in Massachusetts. This includes Class C fireworks, sometimes considered the "safe" fireworks such as sparklers, party poppers, snappers, firecrackers, spinners and cherry bombs.

For a list of professional displays in the area,