Chicago safety advocates caution about firework hazards before the 4th of July parade

CHICAGO (WLS) — First responders and doctors in Chicago are warning about how quickly fireworks can turn dangerous.

Last year, more than 150 people were rushed to Chicago hospitals with firework injuries.

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The real concern is sparklers, which seem harmless but are often handled by kids.

At the University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital, fireworks safety advocates, along with doctors, issued a warning about the risks associated with fireworks as preparations for the upcoming 4th of July festivities are underway.

A parent, Aileen Marquez, shared the heartbreaking story of her child who suffered from a fireworks-related injury, emphasizing the long-term consequences such as permanent scars that impact everyday life.

Marquez highlighted how a moment of celebration turned into a nightmare within seconds, recounting the incident that left her daughter, at the age of five, with severe burns covering a significant portion of her body.

It’s another reason why the Chicago Fire Department demonstrated just how quickly a simple sparkler can become dangerous.

Fire officials say they account for the second highest percentage of injures behind firecrackers.

“Sparklers can reach temperatures up to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit, which is equivalent to putting a child’s hand over stove burner,” CFD Commanding Fire Marshal Ryan Rivera said.

Under the watchful eye of firefighters, there was a simulation of what would happen if a sparkler caught a child’s clothing on fire.

The demonstration is meant to show the public the potentially deadly and lasting impact fireworks can have on families.

“It’s very, very easy to let your guard down and people really don’t realize the life of death consequences that I can bring,” Margaret Vaughn with the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance said. “

Fire officials say every year thousands of children are injured by fireworks, firecrackers and sparklers.

Pediatric trauma surgeon Doctor Marion Henry says every year kids come to emergency rooms with fireworks injuries.

“If these were left to the professionals, the children I treat will not be walking around with a psychological, physical and emotional scars of burns, lacerations,” Dr. Henry said.

Because of their acute sense of hearing our pets along with some of our friends and family members may suffer in silence.

Their acute sense of hearing makes dogs and cats vulnerable to loud fireworks. People with PTSD can be triggered by the loud sounds as well.

The Illinois Fire Safety Alliance says that if you truly want to have a good time during this holiday weekend, leave the fireworks to the professionals.