Firework safety before the 4th of July

BELOIT, Wis. -- Firework experts are reminding people of firework safety in Wisconsin a week before the 4th of July.

There are a number of state laws regulating the sale, possession, and use of fireworks. In Wisconsin, people can use sparklers, stationary cones and fountains, and smoke bombs.

“When celebrating with fireworks, we want to make sure that everybody's doing it legally and safely,” said Great Grizzly Fireworks and member of the National Firework Association, AJ Burns.

The Beloit Fire Department said the safest ways to use fireworks is not at all, but with sales skyrocketing in recent years, there are some things to remember if people do use them.

“We never want to hold fireworks. Make sure that your head is not overtop of anything when you're lighting them,” Burns said.

“You should have a safe distance away from the audience. It provides a better show and it's a lot safer as well,” said Phantom Fireworks Dez Singh.

Additionally, fireworks cause about 18,500 fires each year in the United States. One culprit is duds.

“Leave that alone,” said Singh.

If a firework is lit and doesn’t go off, the best thing to do is leave it alone for a while. Then, douse it with water before throwing it away. Otherwise, a trick firework can start a fire in the trash.

“Those cakes sit in there and smolder and eventually start a fire, which can lead to house fires and garage fires, and that's that can be very dangerous for everybody,” Burns said.

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