Burn Foundation Says Leave Fireworks to Professionals

by KYW's John Ostapkovich

While there will be lots of professional fireworks shows over the Fourth of July weekend, some people want to be do-it-yourself-ers. The advice from The Burn Foundation is don't.

Burns can be painful, disfiguring and even deadly. Sometimes they can't be avoided but Scott Cohen, director of prevention education at the Burn Foundation says, whenever you handle fireworks, even sparklers, it's a step toward danger:

"The Burn Foundation is pretty opposed to the use of any fireworks by consumers.  If you really want to see fireworks, the best thing to do is go to your professional fireworks display."

Cohen says, sadly, a lot of people don't take that advice:

"Independence Day is the single greatest day for admissions to emergency rooms and those admissions are usually due to fireworks."

With limbs, heads and eyes taking the brunt of injuries.