Stay Safe This Fourth of July

With the Fourth of July holiday weekend finally here, Fire officials remind Medfield residents to celebrate safely.

Although all fireworks are illegal to possess, ignite and be transported by private citizens in Massachusetts, numerous professional displays will be hosted this weekend. for a complete listing of firework displays in the area. 

There were 774 major fire and explosion incidents last year involving illegal fireworks reported to the Massachusetts Fire Incident Reporting System, according to the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Those incidents resulted in one death, 10 injuries, six fire service injuries and an estimated loss of $2.4 million.

In addition to property damage, 43 people have been treated in Massachusetts emergency rooms in the past decade due to severe burns from fireworks. Almost 65 percent of the victims were children under the age of 18. 

A 41-year-old Marshfield man recieved burns to his face and arms on July 3, 2010 when an illegal fireworks display exploded in front of him.The following day, a 7-year-old boy was burned on his hand when he picked up a roman candle that exploded.

Fire officials remind residents to be smart and leave the fireworks to the professionals this season.