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Bartlett officials: Leave fireworks to the professionals this 4th of July

As the Fourth of July approaches, local fire officials are encouraging residents to leave the fireworks, including sparklers, to the professionals.

The Bartlett Fire Protection District on Tuesday hosted a demonstration at the district's headquarters on North Oak Avenue, showing how a spark from a sparkler can burn through a T-shirt, causing third-degree burns in less than a minute.

"Please do not be a statistic," Bartlett Fire Chief Mike Falese said. "All too often, it is children who are injured."

Most fireworks-related injuries are suffered in a one-month period surrounding July Fourth, fire officials said. And fireworks account for around 40 percent of all reported fires on July Fourth, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

People who suffer burns from firework accidents typically spend one day in the hospital for each percent of their body that is burned, with medical costs ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 each day.

Assistant Fire Chief Mike Figolah said most people don't understand how dangerous fireworks, and the seemingly tame sparklers often given to children, can be.

"If it takes a match to light it, it's not safe," Figolah said.

Sparklers, which are considered novelty items, can reach up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit - hotter than the temperature at which glass melts. Some municipalities including Mount Prospect, Lake Zurich and Chicago have banned sparklers.

But what if you happen to be at the neighbors' house and they insist on creating their own backyard fireworks display?

"I'd encourage them not to do it," Falese said, even if doing so makes you unpopular.

Fireworks can cause traumatic experiences for certain people, including military veterans, said Illinois Fire Safety Alliance Spokeswoman Margaret Vaughn.

"The smell and sound can trigger PTSD flashbacks," she said.

Fireworks can also cause panic in pets, making July 5 the busiest day of the year at animal shelters. Dogs will often try to flee their homes to get away from the sound, Vaughn said. If they escape, they can get disoriented or stuck while trying to hide from the noise.

And when it comes to the big firecrackers, people should also consider the possible destruction a fireworks display gone wrong could cause to neighboring houses.

"If they don't care about injuries, they should think about the liability," Vaughn said.

  Charred clothing results from Bartlett Assistant Fire Chief Michael Figolah's demonstration of a child accidentally being touched by a sparkler. Fire officials are advising residents to leave fireworks displays to professionals. Daniel White/dwhite@dailyherald.com
  Bartlett Assistant Fire Chief Michael Figolah talks about fireworks safety as he discusses how sparklers, with their ability to burn at 1,800 degrees, can cause serious injuries. Most people just don't realize how dangerous the sparklers can be, Figolah said. Daniel White/dwhite@dailyherald.com
  Bartlett Assistant Fire Chief Michael Figolah, right, gets a sparkler lit by fire intern Forrest Wright during a demonstration involving contact with clothing. Firefighter Brian Becker, left, will put out the fire, which will consume a shirt in less than a minute. Daniel White/dwhite@dailyherald.com
  An Illinois Fire Safety Alliance sign hangs from the front of the Bartlett Fire Station, encouraging responsibility during the upcoming July Fourth weekend. Daniel White/dwhite@dailyherald.com
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