This Fourth of July, the Golden Valley Fire Department is urging residents to celebrate safely.
On average, fireworks cause more than 18,500 fires per year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and nearly 17,000 outside and other fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). There is an average of 75 hospital visits each year in Minnesota due to fireworks injuries, and nearly half of those injuries each year happen to children, according the the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (MN DPS).
The NFPA suggests not using consumer fireworks at all because of the dangers they pose. This includes sparklers, which can burn hot enough to cause third degree burns. The NFPA recommends instead of using fireworks at home, go see a professional fireworks show.
For more fireworks safety tips, visit the NFPA website and the MN DPS website.