Hillsborough County Fire Rescue Reports Severe Injuries from Fireworks Mishandling

Fireworks-Related Injuries Over the Holiday Weekend

• ⚠️ Hillsborough County Fire Rescue responded to several severe injuries over the Fourth of July weekend, primarily due to the mishandling of fireworks.
• 💥 Two individuals suffered partial or full amputations of their hands.
• 👂 Several residents experienced significant trauma to their eardrums.
• 🧒 A boy under 10 years old required emergency surgery after firework-related shrapnel pierced his chest.

Fire Prevention and Safety Messaging

• 🏠 Fire Rescue reported no working structure fires, a positive outcome compared to previous years where fireworks caused property damage.
• 💧 In past years, the county has focused messaging on preventing fires by advising residents to submerge used fireworks in water or douse them thoroughly.
• 🎯 This year's focus is shifting towards personal safety due to the increase in severe injuries.

Recommendations for Safer Celebrations

• 🚀 Fire Rescue recommends that residents let professionals handle fireworks displays for a safer, cleaner, and often cheaper experience.
• 📏 If individuals choose to set off their own fireworks, they are urged to stand far enough away and always follow the directions provided with the products.
• 🛠️ The county aims to combine fire prevention and personal safety messaging for a safer upcoming Fourth of July.