In most parts of the state, you’ll probably be hearing fireworks in the evenings during this time of year. And although they are great to watch, officials say lighting fireworks can be dangerous.

According to a new report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, between 2008 and 2023, injuries from fireworks have increased.

Zoneton Fire Protection District’s spokesperson Rich Carlson cautions that playing with fire can get you burned.  

“In 2022, the last year we had numbers, across the country there’s more than 10,000 people that were hurt,” said Carlson. 

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission report, most injuries from fireworks are to the hands and fingers. And 22% of hospital visits were for head, face and ear injuries.

“Follow the instructions that come with the fireworks. And always, always, always leave a dud firework alone,” said Carlson. 

Carlson says to never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. A sparkler burns at 2,000 degrees.

And once the fun is over, be sure to have water nearby.

“Soak it down real good so you don’t put something that might be a little bit warm in the trash and cause a fire that way,” said Carlson. 

The report says kids ages 5 to 9 and teenagers had the highest estimated rate of emergency department-treated, fireworks-related injuries.

Before you plan to set off fireworks where you may live, be sure to check if fireworks are legal in your area.

In Fayette and Jefferson counties, city ordinances say that all fireworks have to stay on the ground and cannot explode.