WASHINGTON — Nationwide, firework injuries are on the rise, and this time of year is typically when mishaps will happen, according to federal regulators.
“Most of the injuries that occur with respect to fireworks occur during the months that surround the Fourth of July,” explains Bob Adler, acting chairman with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
“Unfortunately it seems to be on the increase; we’re very concerned,” Adler says.
According to new figures released Thursday, 11,400 people were injured by fireworks last year.
That is an uptick from 2012 when 8,700 people were hurt.
“It may be that people aren’t listening, but I think it’s also because states are loosening restrictions on the use of fireworks,” says Adler.
Officials from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were at the National Mall Thursday, giving a demonstration of the potential dangers fireworks users may face.
The agency mutilated mannequin with fireworks. One lost an eye, another lost a hand and a watermelon was obliterated.
“Be careful,” warns Michael Fronczak, chief of the Firearms & Explosives Industry Division for the ATF.
“Know the consequences of these devices and know what they can do.”
Watch a video from the demonstration:
Watch other videos and images from the demonstration in the gallery.
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