Sparklers are one of the leading causes of fireworks injuries and a reminder of the dangers consumer fireworks can pose.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, across the U.S., an average of 250 people a day go to emergency rooms with fireworks related injuries in the month around July 4th.

“Public fireworks shows are the safest way to enjoy fireworks,” State Fire Marshal Tim Bean said. “If you are thinking about using consumer fireworks, it is essential that you consider how to eliminate the many risks they present – from dangerous burns and other injuries to house fires. Also, find out whether fireworks are even legal to use where you live.”

Bean said nationally, fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires per year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires with an average of $43 million in direct property damage from those fires.

“Shooting the fireworks inappropriately or in inappropriate areas causing grass fires and those fires spread to structures or vehicles, that’s the most common error when it comes to fireworks,” Bean said. “You want to keep your fireworks away from young children. Always wear eye protection, make sure you have a garden hose or a bucket of water nearby in case something goes wrong. A common mistake is… attempting to relight a firework that has malfunctioned… you should wait a period of time and then dispose of that in a bucket of water so you know it’s safe.”

Fireworks sales at licensed seasonal retailers are legal in Missouri through July 10.

For more fireworks safety tips, click here. To report illegal fireworks sales, contact the Division of Fire Safety at (573) 751-2930.