Local fire departments stress safety on July 4

For a light show Saturday night, stick to the official fireworks displays. Fireworks — even sparklers — are not permitted in the city of Danville.

Anything that does not produce a visible flame or continuous spark are OK and include snapping pops, caps for cap guns and party poppers.

In Pittsylvania County, the rules are slightly less stringent and allow for sparklers, fountains, pinwheels and the like. Specifically prohibited are firecrackers, skyrockets and any firework that will explode and/or travel.

Fireworks can cause fires in dry brush and grass, as well as fires that destroy or damage homes, the Danville Fire Department advises. Most fireworks burn injuries involve children, with hot sparklers being the biggest danger. The tip of a sparkler can reach 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit.

According to the Pittsylvania County Web site, novelty fireworks accounted for 56 percent of emergency room fireworks injuries in 2007, with sparklers, firecrackers and rockets being the leading contributors to injuries.

TNT Fireworks issued the following sparkler safety tips: maintain adult supervision, look for labels and read instructions, stay alert, keep water nearby, keep sparklers outdoors only, do not relight sparklers that don’t ignite, protect pets, light only one at a time and obey all local laws.