Sheriff's Office Urges Fireworks Safety This Fourth

FT LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – This Thursday, we'll celebrate Independence Day with barbecues, trips to the beach, booze and, of course, fireworks.

While thousands will attend fireworks shows put on by cities and counties, others like to do their own little shows to entertain their friends and neighbors.

Best Places To See Fireworks In South Florida

For those who like to DIY the Fourth of July, Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue has a word of advice.

"If you want to see fireworks, it's best left to the professionals," said Fire Chief Tony Stravino said.  "The last thing we want to see is a child burned by a sparkler, someone lose fingers, or worse, from fireworks."

In Florida, there are few legal consumer fireworks.

But even the legal ones can be dangerous. Sparklers can reach temperatures of 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit at the tip – hot enough to cause third degree burns or permanent disfigurement.

So what kinds of fireworks are legal in the state? Put it this way, if it flies or explodes it's illegal.

In 2011, there were 9,600 fireworks-related injuries in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Administration. About a quarter of those injuries were children under the age of 15.

On a typical Independence Day, more fires are reported in the U. S. than on any other day.

The Florida Division of State Fire Marshal and Broward Sheriff Fire Marshal's Bureau will be conducting inspections of roadside fireworks stands this week. The State Fire Marshal's Office detectives will also be assisting several police departments this year in checking out complaints and confiscating illegal fireworks.

As a final note. – leave the gun at home. Firing a gun in the air is not only against the law, it's extremely dangerous. Remember, falling bullets kill.