Certainly the Fourth of July is meant as a time of celebration, but it can come with risks.
This week, two people have died in separate fireworks-related incidents, including a man and a 12-year-old. They both died from mortar-style fireworks.
MOST DANGEROUS FIREWORK
The most dangerous firework is a sparkler. These hand-held fireworks are believed to contribute to 41 percent of fireworks-related injuries. Other styles of fireworks, at most, contribute to about 9 percent of those injuries individually.
INJURIES IN WICHITA
Last year, Via Christi treated 15 people for fireworks-related injuries; three of those were admitted to the hospital. Statewide, hospitals reported 158 fireworks-related injuries, said Maria Loving, communications coordinator at the hospital. At Via Christi, injuries tend to cluster around adults ages 18 to 40, split fairly evenly between men and women.
FIRES GOING DOWN
Fireworks and fires have gone down significantly in recent years. In 2001, there were about 35,000 fires reported. However, according to the National Fire Protection Association, In 2011, an estimated 17,800 reported fires were started by fireworks. These fires resulted in an estimated 40 civilian injuries and $32 million in direct property damage, with no reported fire deaths.