State reports 40 percent increase in serious fireworks injuries

Serious fireworks-related injuries from June 1 to July 31 this year in Washington State rose by 40 percent from last year, according to the latest figures from the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

The majority of these injuries occurred on the Fourth of July. This year, fireworks injuries resulted in amputations, first- second- and third-degree burns and hearing and eyesight loss. Sixteen percent of those injured were due to alcohol or drug impairment.

In addition, fireworks-related-fires resulted in an estimated nearly $200,000 in property loss during the same period. There were 67 fireworks-related fires with 62 percent of them occurring on the Fourth of July holiday.

“Any injury or fire due to fireworks is too many,” said State Fire Marshal Charles M. Duffy. “The best way to prevent fireworks-related injuries and fires is to attend a licensed, public fireworks display.”

For more information about fireworks safety, go to wsp.wa.gov/fire/fireworks.htm.

Key Highlights – June 1 to July 30, 2016:

INJURIES

• There were 226 fireworks-related injuries reported. This number includes legal consumer fireworks, illegal devices and diverted 1.3G shells

• The top 3 parts of the body most often injured were hands and fingers (86 injuries), followed by face, eyes and ears (65), and legs (20)

• Contributing factors in 16% of all injuries (37 injuries) were due to alcohol or drug impairment

• 164 injuries (74%) occurred on the Fourth of July

• King (43 injuries), Snohomish (42) and Pierce (29) counties reported the highest number of injuries

FIRES

• There were 67 fireworks-related fires reported, resulting in $199,500 in property loss. This number includes legal consumer fireworks, illegal devices and diverted 1.3G shells

• 42 fires (62%) occurred on the Fourth of July