Even though it is illegal to own or use fireworks in New York state by anyone other than licensed professionals, more fires occur on July 4 than any other day, according to a Firemen’s Association release.
Half of these Independence Day fires being the direct result of fireworks, and they are only one of the outcomes of illegal use.
Just as common is the physical harm inflicted by the unlicensed operation.
“The number of injuries is astronomical,” said Shawn Carney, Ilion deputy fire chief. “Generally they’re devastating; missing fingers, hands, and severe burns.”
In 2006, emergency rooms treated 9,200 fireworks related injuries, with a split between the extremities and the head by either burns, contusions or lacerations, according to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). There is even loss of eyesight and limbs, and deaths being caused by fireworks.
The only way to avoid becoming one of these statistics is to obey the law.
“We strongly recommend that people that want to view a fireworks show go to a professional display at a public place,” said Carney, further condemning personal use. “They’re unpredictable. You really shouldn’t trust them to act the way they are described.”   
Mike Edwards, Herkimer deputy fire chief, also talked about the illegal use of fireworks and described safety precautions being taken at professional displays.
“We’ll have an engine on hand on Thursday (at Herkimer County Community College’s fireworks display) backpack pumps and around six officers,” said Edwards.
The backpack models are water cannons used to put out the most-common grass fires and little flare-ups, according to Edwards. Herkimer firemen are also going to be attentive for possible embers created by the fireworks, and watching the roofs of buildings closely.
Carney also recalled a past fire in Herkimer caused by an adult accidentally setting off a firework inside their home.
Each year an estimated $20 million in property loss is caused by fireworks-related fires, according to the NFPA.
Local professional displays include the annual July 4 fireworks and bands at HCCC on Thursday and Old Forge on Friday.