Fireworks More Dangerous Due to Dryness

July 3 -- — Fireworks may be even more dangerous this Fourth of July because of the excessively dry conditions that have caused wildfires in several states.

All types of fireworks can be physically harmful to people if they are not used correctly, experts say. And this year, state and local government officials are urging people to abstain from setting off fireworks because of the dry conditions.

Many major fireworks displays nationwide have been canceled, and the governors of Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, South Dakota and Utah issued executive orders banning fireworks on many state lands and urged local officials to do the same. Instead of fireworks displays, some communities plan elaborate laser light shows.

Though private use of fireworks is usually legal in New Mexico, this year anyone who violates the ban can be issued a fine of $1,000 or serve up to a year in jail.

"We're taking it very seriously this year because of the drought the state is experiencing. We don't want any more fires," said Diane Kinderwater, communications director of the New Mexico governor's office.

No Safe Fireworks?

But for those states that are allowing private use of fireworks, safety precautions can be taken to avoid any unnecessary accidents.

According to U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission statistics, 5- to 14-year-olds account for the biggest percentage of fireworks-related injuries each year. In 1999, that age group accounted for 2,100 of the total 5,700 fireworks-related injuries over the summer of 1999. And 15- to 24-year-olds come in second, with 1,800 injuries during the same time period.

Fireworks safety campaigns seem to be working. The number of injuries in 1998 decreased to 7,000 from 8,300 in 1997, according to the CPSC.

Over the past 10 years, 30 percent to 33 percent of the injuries associated with fireworks were caused by illegal explosives or homemade fireworks. According to the CPSC report, illegally made or obtained fireworks caused most of the accidents.