Spectators watch as fireworks light up the sky over the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds on July 4, 2016.
Statistics provided by the State Fire Marshal's Office in a press release show that serious injuries caused by fireworks increased by 40 percent this year and resulted in 20 amputations, as well as burns, hearing and eyesight loss.
The press release also noted that fireworks caused 67 fires this summer, with 62 percent of those fires occurring July 4. Those fires caused nearly $200,000 in property loss.
“Any injury or fire due to fireworks is too many,” says State Fire Marshal Charles M. Duffy in the release. “The best way to prevent fireworks-related injuries and fires is to attend a licensed, public fireworks display,”
The release marked that 16 percent of all reported fireworks injuries in 2016 were attributed to impairment by alcohol or drugs.
In total, there were 226 fireworks-related injuries reported this summer, which includes both legal and illegal fireworks. Injuries to the hands and face were the most common, racking up 86 cases. Eyes and ears were the next most afflicted body parts, with 65 injuries.
Aerial shells of the legal and illegal variety caused the greatest number of injuries, with 61 cases attributed to that type of device. Surprisingly, sparklers were the third most common device to cause injury, with 32 cases.
The statistics were compiled during the prime fireworks season between June 1 and July 30 of this year.
Additional information about fireworks safety can be found on the Washington State Patrol’s “Celebrate Safely” website at http://www.wsp.wa.gov/fire/fireworks.htm.
