SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – With the Fourth of July just days away, fireworks will soon light up the sky — but Seminole County firefighters say they’re also preparing for a surge in serious injuries and fires.
Lt. Dave Williams with Seminole County Fire says it’s a situation crews see far too often around the holiday.
“I’ve personally responded to calls where we’ve had explosions in people’s hands,” Williams said.
Seminole County firefighters say the days around the Fourth of July are some of their busiest, responding to fireworks accidents that can leave people with severe burns — or even the loss of fingers and limbs.
“We see eye injuries, facial injuries, and throughout the nation as a whole, there are thousands of injuries specifically on the Fourth of July because of fireworks that are mishandled,” Williams said.
Williams also warned that even sparklers — which many people consider safe — can be dangerous.
“Those sparklers that people say are the perfect firework for a kid… unfortunately, they burn at over 2,000 degrees. So you’re talking about an instant burn. Even the ones that appear safe are dangerous,” Williams said.
Williams says crews are equipped with special burn sheets to treat victims on scene before they’re taken to the hospital.
“We’re always ready for it. It’s something we train our paramedics and EMTs for,” Williams said.
To help prevent fires, firefighters recommend soaking used fireworks in a bucket of water for 24 hours before throwing them away.
“Before you light the first firework, make sure you have a water source ready. Set them off away from the house. That seems to be a recurring theme every year. We always get one, two, or three fires,” Williams said.
Seminole County firefighters say fireworks can also spark a jump in house fires and dumpster fires — sometimes as many as five in a single holiday.
“I think the most important thing to remember is fireworks last for a second… but those injuries can last a lifetime,” Williams said.
Firefighters recommend wearing eye protection, never letting children handle fireworks, and keeping fireworks away from homes and trees. They also encourage families to skip at-home fireworks altogether and attend professional shows instead.