Fire Marshal Urges Fireworks Safety

With more people looking to put on their own display at home this summer, the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s office is warning about the dangers of fireworks. Many communities have cancelled their big fireworks shows, so there is some concern about backyard use says Fire Marshal Spokesperson J-C Fultz. He says only novelty items like snappers, poppers and sparklers are legal in Illinois. Fultz says any other types of fireworks should only be used by those with a permit and the proper training. The permit process includes the local fire department inspecting the area where you plan to shoot off the fireworks. Fultz also wants to remind you that even sparklers can be very dangerous, since they can burn at over 12 hundred degrees.