Wilmington Fire Department provides firework safety tips

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Some people may ring in the new year Tuesday night by shooting off fireworks.  

It’s important to remember that fireworks cause thousands of injuries each year. 

In North Carolina, fireworks that explode or leave the ground are illegal.  

If you are using legal fireworks, keep them away from children and away from the house.  

Also keep a garden hose nearby.  

Wilmington firefighter John Blackburn says this time of year makes it even more dangerous to use fireworks. 

“This time of the year all of the leaves are on the ground. All the pine straw may be up on a roof. There is a big danger when you have embers fly off from fireworks onto the ground, it could cause fire. Not only fire (fireworks) could cause burns. We see a lot of burns on New Year’s Eve.” 

Blackburn adds don’t use alcohol and fireworks at the same time and know where everyone is at prior to lighting the fireworks.