Local hospitals were kept busy during the 4th of July holiday weekend.
Allegheny Health Network tells KDKA Radio that its emergency departments saw a three-to-five-fivefold increase network-wide in heat-related injuries.
In addition, the AHN West Penn Burn Center treated about a dozen patients for burns and other injuries related to fireworks, campfires and grills.
And at UPMC, more than a dozen patients were reportedly treated for hand and eye injuries caused by fireworks or sparklers.
In general, local health officials say this year's injuries were more severe compared to 2025.
