Fire services warns of firework hazards Published June 30, 2015 By William J. Ferguson 87th Civil Engineer Squadron JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- The National Fire Protection Association reports an average of 10,000 firework-related injuries have been treated in U.S. hospitals over the last several years. Most fireworks injuries occur around the 4th of July, but are not limited to that holiday. More U.S. fires are reported on Independence Day than any other day in a typical year, and fireworks account for two out of five of those fires. How are fireworks used safely? There are no safe ways. Leave the use of fireworks to the professionals, people who are trained in their proper use. The use of fireworks is not authorized on JB MDL and fireworks are not allowed to be stored in any base facility, according to JB MDL Instruction 32-2001. The JB MDL Fire Prevention Section reminds everyone that fireworks are explosives that are unpredictable and can be deadly. Sparkler and novelty items, such as cigarette loads, trick matches, trick noise makers, smoke grenades, toy propellants, snaps and pops, poppetts and champagne poppers, as well as firecrackers, roman candles, rockets and more are all illegal in New Jersey. For the safety of you, your family and friends, obey the law. For more information, contact the JB MDL Fire Prevention Office at (609) 754-2451.