LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — "Safe and Sane" fireworks go on sale in Clark County on Sunday in advance of what experts believe will be a very lucrative year for firework vendors in the United States.
The American Pyrotechnics Association believes July 2020 will be a record year for at-home fireworks sales due mainly to the coronavirus pandemic discouraging large crowds and canceling many professional fireworks displays.
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A study by Orlando Health revealed 2 out of 5 Americans are expected to buy their own fireworks with 16% of those naming coronavirus related shutdowns as the reason.
Health experts are concerned that the increase in amateur fireworks shows will result in an uptick of injuries like serious burns, loss of fingers, blinding, or death.
Elizabeth Gibson, an orthopedic surgery resident, said people should respect all fireworks, including those people who normally consider safe like sparklers.
"They can actually reach temperatures of over 2,000 degrees," Gibson said. "Which is enough to melt metal and certainly can melt your clothing, your skin, any other tissue like that."
Safety measures can significantly reduce the chances of being injured by fireworks.
People should never hold a firework that's been lit, always keep a bucket of water and a hose nearby, not drink alcohol, not allow kids to light fireworks without supervision, and soak fireworks after they've been lit.
A firework can smolder after being used which can light a fire when disposed of.
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Police are reminding people that only safe and sane fireworks are legal to use between June 28 and July 4 in Clark County.
Any firework that flies into the air or explodes is illegal and can result in a fine between $250 and $1,000.
