This Thursday will mark the second Fourth of July in Maine in which fireworks are legal, since the new law was implemented, which likely means many more trips to the emergency room on the holiday as well as fires and explosions from improper use of fireworks products.

The dangers of fireworks are why we want to urge Mainers to be safe and take the necessary precautions as they celebrate the nation’s independence tomorrow ”“ or, just sit back and watch one of many professional shows in the area and avoid the chance of injury or accident all together.

The National Fire Protection Association reports that in 2011, 17,800 reported fires were likely started by fireworks, and 9,600 fireworks-related injuries were treated in U.S. emergency rooms. On a typical Fourth of July, there are more fires than on any other day of the year, NFPA reports. Fireworks account for two out of five of the fires reported on Independence Day ”“ more than any other cause of fires.

Even small fireworks like sparklers can cause injury and fires. Sparklers, fountains and novelties alone accounted for 34 percent of emergency room fireworks injuries in 2011, according to NFPA.

We understand, though, that many people enjoy lighting their own fireworks, and for those who cannot resist, they need to follow local regulations. Cities and towns were able to make their own laws about if, when and where fireworks can be sold or used. To find a full list of towns that have local laws, go to the Maine Fire Marshal’s website or call your town or city hall.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has the following tips to help prevent injuries and fires:

”¢ Avoid buying fireworks packaged in brown paper, because it’s often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays.

Ӣ Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.

”¢ Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Children can suffer injuries from sparklers, which burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees ”“ hot enough to melt some metals.

Ӣ Light fireworks one at a time.

Ӣ Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.

Ӣ Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.

Ӣ Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

Ӣ Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.

Ӣ Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

Ӣ After fireworks complete their burning, douse them with plenty of water before discarding to prevent a trash fire.

We wish all of our readers a safe and happy Fourth of July.

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Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.