Safety officials fear uptick in fireworks injuries due to cancellation of many Fourth of July events

 

FOND DU LAC, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Coronavirus is raising concern among public safety officials as we get close to the Fourth of July.

They're even more worried than usual about fireworks injuries.

"Normally what we would preach to people is leave fireworks in the hands of professionals," said Fond du Lac Fire Chief Peter O'Leary. "Go to a public show, to see a fireworks show. Obviously we can't say that this year because there aren't any, or there are very few."

In Fond du Lac Wednesday, the fire rescue team demonstrated how dangerous fireworks are and how illegal they are in Wisconsin.

Each year, consumer fireworks are responsible for 13,000 emergency room visits and 20,000 fires across the country.