What to remember if youre using fireworks this Fourth of July [Video]

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Lighting off fireworks can be a lot of fun, but authorities warn they can also be dangerous, and they want you to be careful during your Fourth of July celebrations.

Grand Rapids Fire Marshal Bill Smith said the first safety tip for fireworks is watching out for others, especially children.

“Our children are vulnerable. Sparklers, even though they seem fine, they burn over 1,200 degrees and for a small hand, they can cause a big issue for our small children,” Smith said.

LIST: Fourth of July fireworks, parades in West Michigan 2024

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission recorded eight firework-related deaths in 2023. Last year, a woman died after a homemade firework cannon exploded at an Independence Day party near Holland; a man was ultimately sentenced to jail time in the death. In Allegan, one person was injured at Fourth of July Jubilee when a firework cake was errantly shot …