Fireworks Safety

Tools

By Rochelle Dean

Story Created: Jul 4, 2012 at 12:08 AM EDT

Story Updated: Aug 27, 2012 at 7:33 AM EDT

(WOLO) Columbia,S.C.--

It's the time year where revelers anticipate seeing flickering light displays light up the night's sky, but Columbia Fire Department Chief Aubrey Jenkins suggests people leave the shows to the professionals.

"We do see quite a number of injuries due to fireworks around the 4th of July...I know they're just fireworks, but they're explosives and they do explode."

Jenkins says they've seen wooded areas, brushes, houses and even clothes catch fire when people are using fireworks improperly. Not to mention, incidents that can lead to 1 to 3 degree skin burns.

Reading directions on labels, keeping fireworks out of the hands of children and keeping water, sand or something to douse flames nearby can mean the difference in a fun holiday, and one that goes up in smoke.