Uintah Fire District has an important message for locals eager to enjoy fireworks for the holiday. “Every year, young children can be found along parade routes and at festivals with sparklers in hand, but sparklers are a lot more dangerous than most people think,” shares the District. “Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals. Sparklers can quickly ignite clothing, and children have received severe burns from dropping sparklers on their feet.” National Fire Protection Association reports that sparklers alone account for more than 25 percent of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries and sparklers account for nearly half of fireworks injuries for children under age 5. Uintah Fire District suggests using safer alternatives like glow sticks, confetti poppers, or colored streamers.
