State Fire Marshal Urges Healthcare Providers To Report Fireworks Injuries

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CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- As the Fourth of July approaches, the Illinois State Fire Marshal's Office said the number of people injured by fireworks accidents in the state is likely underreported. 

J.C. Fultz of the Fire Marshal's Office said last year hospitals and health care providers reported 126 fireworks injuries around the Fourth of July, including one death.

"Of those 126 persons, many suffered multiple injuries, and unfortunately one person died," Fultz said. "Those numbers are probably much higher, because of injuries, we just didn't get that information."

But Fultz said those numbers probably don't tell the whole story, because the Fire Marshal believes some health care providers aren't reporting fireworks injuries to the state.

Fultz said on the Illinois State Fire Marshal's website is a portal for healthcare providers to make such reports.

He said the state needs the numbers to get a better idea of the risks posed by fireworks, especially when people chose to have their own homemade fireworks shows.