The problem with fireworks [Video]

MARRIOTSVILLE, Md. — With their colorful packaging and the promise of a dazzling light show, Acting Maryland State Fire Marshal Jason Mowbray understands the attraction.

“Fireworks are very enticing. They’re exciting. They’re loud,” acknowledged Mowbray.

But they can also be dangerous, whether it’s a sparkler igniting some clothing or a powerful firework exploding in your hand.

“Well, we’re looking at the area that wraps the fingers around that M-80 before they set it off and this is quite typical of what we see in real life,” said Dr. Ray Wittstadt of the Curtis National Hand Center as he looked at what remained of a mangled, rubber hand attached to a firework that was ignited during a demonstration, “This is an explosion so it’s a lot of force and it could certainly blow fingers off as you’re see here.”

Last year, here in Maryland, there were more than 200 injuries suffered …