While injuries resulting from fireworks are minimal in Iowa compared to neighboring states like Missouri, Knoxville Fire Chief Jim Mitchell still hopes that precautions are being taken.

Even the legal fireworks, such as sparklers, can cause serious burns and injuries. He says sparkler burns are seen every year because they can burn up to 2000 degrees fahrenheit and if grabbed in the wrong area, can cause a serious burn. Minor burns can also occur from the spray effect of sparklers.
Mitchell adds that all fireworks should be properly extinguished in a container holding water to prevent them from re-igniting and starting a fire.