Fireworks are best enjoyed when someone else is safely doing the work. That is the advice of local fire chiefs, who reminded residents this week that fireworks are illegal in the city limits of both Brewton and East Brewotn.

“It is illegal to shoot fireworks in Brewton,” said Fire Chief Lawrence Weaver of the Brewton Fire Department. “Every year people don’t listen to the warnings that are issued, and they get hurt. The best way to enjoy fireworks is to let the professionals handle them. Someone, somewhere will be hurt before this holiday is over.”

One of the culprits in fireworks is the small sparkler. It looks harmless enough, but, according to the National Fire Protection Association, it burns at 1,200 degrees at its tip. Water boils at 212 degrees, cakes bake at 350 degrees, wood burns at 575 degrees and glass melts at 900 degrees.

“Sparklers are a big problem,” Weaver said. “But they are very hot and one of the sparks could drop onto a frilly dress, setting it on fire.”

According to Joey Shell of the East Brewton Fire Department, it is also illegal to sell or shoot fireworks in East Brewton.

According to NFPA, fireworks in 2008 caused an estimated 22,500 reported fires, including 1,400 total structure fires, 500 vehicle fires and 20,600 outside and other fires. Those fires resulted in an estimated 7,000 people with fireworks related injuries.

Of that figure, 53 percent are injuries to the extremities and 37 percent to head injuries, and most of those who are injured are children.