Sparklers are hot as a blowtorch and other lesser-known Pennsylvania July 4th safety tips [Video]

YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) — You know about fireworks and intoxicated driving — and you should, because those are, after all, causes of Independence Day celebration fatalities every year.

But sparklers?

Yes, if you’re not careful, said John “J.C.” Tedorski, Pennsylvania’s deputy state fire commissioner.

“The tip of that sparkler — the temperature reaches the same temperature as a blowtorch,” Tedorski said, adding sparklers are the No. 2 cause of consumer-grade fireworks-related visits to emergency room.

Highlighting the diversity of accidents that happen each July 4, Tedorski was among leaders from seven different agencies who spoke Thursday at Codorus State Park, giving tips exactly a week before the holiday.

Other key tips:

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Don’t drive intoxicated, of course — or “don’t lose your independence on independence day,” as PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said, referring to what happens to the license …