Firework injuries up 40 percent statewide this year

Eighteen people suffered fireworks-related injuries in Clark County in June and July, according to the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office, out of the 226 injuries reported statewide.

That’s a 40 percent increase in injuries statewide, the fire marshal’s office said.

Most of the people hurt were injured on July 4.

The top three most-injured body parts were hands and fingers, with 86 injuries; followed by the face, eyes or ears with 65; and legs at 20.

Twenty incidents statewide resulted in amputations, with others leaving burns — in one instance, a sparkler bomb caused third-degree burns — or other injuries.

The fire marshal’s office said drugs or alcohol contributed to 16 percent of the reported injuries.

Fireworks also caused 67 fires, resulting in about $200,000 in property damage. Forty-two of those fires were on Independence Day. Eight fires damaged homes. Fireworks also sparked 39 vegetation fires.

“Any injury or fire due to fireworks is too many,” State Fire Marshal Charles M. Duffy said in a news release. “The best way to prevent fireworks-related injuries and fires is to attend a licensed, public fireworks display.”