Lots Of Injuries Detract From the Fun On The Fourth

The Washington State Fire Marshals office has issued a report that says a lot of people playing with fireworks were injured this year. They say serious fireworks-related injuries from June 1 to July 31, 2016 in Washington State rose by 40% according to the latest figures. The report says the majority of the injuries happened on the 4th of July. And the injuries included amputations, first, second, third degree burns and hearing and eyesight loss. 16% of those injured were due to alcohol or drug impairment. Along with injuries there was $200,000 worth of property damage reported. And there were 67 fireworks-related fires with 62% of them happening on the Fourth of July holiday.

The report says specifically
·    There were 226 fireworks-related injuries reported. This number includes legal consumer fireworks, illegal devices and diverted 1.3G shells
·    The top 3 parts of the body most often injured were hands and fingers (86 injuries), followed by face, eyes and ears (65), and legs (20)
·    Contributing factors in 16 % of all injuries (37 injuries) were due to alcohol or drug impairment
·    164 injuries (74%) occurred on the Fourth of July
·    King (43 injuries), Snohomish (42) and Pierce (29) Counties reported the highest number of injuries