Elgin’s Fire Department is warning residents to stay away from banned fireworks this Fourth of July weekend.
“Every year, we hear about tragic injuries caused by makeshift displays using illegal fireworks,” said Elgin Fire Chief John Fahy. “Residents should enjoy professional shows put on by trained professionals and not detonate illegal fireworks.”
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that in 2010, about 8,600 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with fireworks.
In Illinois, novelty fireworks are the only fireworks permitted. They include snake or glow worm pellets; smoke devices, trick noisemakers; sparklers, toy pistols, toy canes, toy guns or other devices in which paper or plastic caps containing .25 grains or less of explosive compound are used.
“But we simply don’t recommend young children be allowed access to these novelties,” said Fahy. “We want all Elgin residents to have a healthy and happy Fourth of July."