Officials Stress the Dangers of Fireworks BUFFALO (wned) - The Fourth of July weekend is underway and for many people "the Fourth" and fireworks go hand-in-hand. But local officials are reminding folks to leave the explosives to the professionals.

Buffalo Fire Commissioner Michael Lombardo says "a year seldom goes by in Western New York without a fire caused by illegal fireworks."

Erie County Sheriff Timothy Howard says many children are also hurt each year by "sparklers."

"It's a burning metal. The temperature of those devices is about 1,800 degrees which could cause severe and permanent damage," said Howard.

Fireworks are illegal in New York State and Sheriff Howard says possesion of fireworks can lead to a fine and 15 days in jail. Selling fireworks or damaging property with them, Howard says, is a felony which can lead to a year in jail.

© Copyright 2012, wned