Local and state officials across Kansas are calling on residents to keep safety in mind for July 4th celebrations.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the State Fire Marshal’s Office and Safe Kids Kansas are among the agencies working to raise awareness of the dangers of fireworks use.   There were 207 fireworks-related injuries in Kansas in 2018, and most of them involved males ages 9 to 34.   Hand injuries were the most common, with other injuries reported to the eyes, face and head.

Dr. Thomas Resch of the Ascension Via Christi Burn Center said people should follow the directions on the package and keep a safe distance, at least 20 feet away, after lighting fireworks.  He said small children should not be allowed to handle fireworks, and even sparklers can burn up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, and that’s as hot as a blow torch.

Dr. Resch said people should set fireworks off on a flat, stable surface, and they should only use fireworks that are professionally made and legally sold.  People should not try to make their own fireworks or modify existing fireworks.

Officials with KDHE said people should always use fireworks outdoors and adults should provide supervision, and people should never try to re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks.

Bottle rockets and M-80s are illegal in Kansas and they are considered to be extremely dangerous.

In Wichita, people are urged to use only the fireworks that are purchased in the city limits, because items from other communities may not be legal in Wichita.   Anything that shoots balls of fire or shoots higher than six feet will not be allowed in the city.    Teams of police officers and firefighters will again be watching for illegal fireworks and people could face fines of $250.    Fireworks can be used between the hours of 10 a.m. and midnight through July 5th.

The non-emergency fireworks hotline will be open from 6 p.m. to 2:30 a.m each evening through July 6th.