OLATHE, Kan. – Leave fireworks to the professionals. That is the message from the Olathe Fire Department.
The department’s bomb squad demonstrated just how dangerous fireworks can be.
They used fruit and other food to show the damage fireworks can do to your body.
Kayla Northrop, a spokeswoman with the Burnett Burn Center at the University of Kansas, was on hand for the demonstrations.
She says the most common fireworks injuries are to the hand and eyes.
Last year in Kansas fireworks caused 132 injuries.
“Sparklers can reach up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. That will actually cause an instantaneous third degree burn. It is something that can happen very quickly. It's absolutely devastating to receive an injury like this just because it's so painful,” says Northrop.
Northrop says if you are injured lighting a firework you should not use ice on the burn.
Instead use a cloth with cool water and then seek professional help.
