TOPEKA – The Office of the State Fire Marshal, along with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Safe Kids Kansas, remind Kansans of the importance of safety around fireworks during this Fourth of July holiday season. Fireworks can be dangerous to both adults and children if not handled properly.

According the Kansas Syndromic Surveillance Program, there were 154 reported fireworks-related injuries during the Fourth of July holiday in 2017. Injuries to the hands were most common and hands or fingers were involved in 38 percent of identified emergency department visits. The eyes, face, or head were involved in over a quarter (28.5 percent) of all visits. The most common victims of fireworks injuries are adult males and children.

According to statistics from the Kansas Fireworks Injury Survey, a voluntary reporting system for Kansas hospitals, adult males
represented 40 percent of all reported fireworks-related injuries, with another 40 percent of reported fireworks injuries affecting children under the age of 18.

“Serious injuries and fires are very likely to occur when fireworks are not handled properly,” Doug Jorgensen, Fire Marshal for the State of Kansas, said. “While the safest approach to enjoying fireworks is to visit public fireworks displays conducted by trained professionals who know how to properly handle fireworks, we understand that individuals will be purchasing and participating in their own displays. We
urge you to be vigilant and cautious to ensure a safe and fun Fourth of July.”