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Happy Birthday, America!

By: Wendy Fleury

Updated: July 4, 2012

GREEN BAY, WIsc. (WFRV) Local authorities are urging caution today to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday.

The sky will soon be ablaze with beautiful lights celebrating our country's birthday. But each year, more and more people are sent to the emergency room with firework-related injuries. Just last year, 83 people were taken to the hospital in Wisconsin, 15 were hospitalized. With more than 40 percent of firework injuries involving children, officials say safety is key.

"Most fireworks injuries happen to children under 5. Sparklers burn at over 1,000 degrees so make sure your child is cognizant enough to know how hot that is," says Lieutenant Nick Craig from the Green Bay Fire Department.

Many of those injuries involve illegal fireworks. According to Wisconsin law, anything that explodes or leaves the ground can only be purchased and used with a permit issued by your local municipality.

Finally, because of the dryness throughout the state, you are urged to light off your fireworks on concrete instead of grass.

Have a safe Fourth, everyone!