A 2022 report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission showed a 25 percent increase in firework-related injuries from 2006 until 2021. More than 11,500 injuries were reported in 2021, and many of those patients required treatment in emergency rooms, urgent care clinics and burn centers.

Setting off fireworks within the city limits of Brookhaven is against the law. The misdemeanor crime can result in fines for the offender.

Fireworks are permitted outside the city limits by state law. Adults are cautioned not to allow children to shoot fireworks unsupervised, however.

Fireworks are dangerous and can cause injury to a person, but they can also start fires.

There are no current burn bans in Mississippi, but the excessive heat of the days leading up to Independence Day could cause ideal conditions for fires to start and spread rapidly. Caution should be exercised.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission offers the following tips to celebrate safely.

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals.

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

• Light fireworks one at a time, then move quickly away from the fireworks device.

• Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.

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

• Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone.

• After fireworks complete their burning, to prevent a trash fire, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device.

• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area, and only purchase and set off fireworks that are labeled for consumer (not professional) use.

• Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.