Officials: Dry Conditions Spark Firework Risk

As the Fourth of July quickly approaches, Lemont police and fire officials are urging residents to refrain from using illegal fireworks.

Besides the risk of human injury, officials are concerned about the this summer. The lack of rain has turned once-lush lawns brown and dry—perfect for kindling an errant firework.

With temperatures expected to remain 90 degrees or above through the holiday, the

"A lot of people forget that the Great Chicago Fire happened during a drought. With the forecast for the next week, you just can't be too careful," said Jeff Hawthorne, director of fire prevention for the .

Hawthorne urged residents to leave firework displays to the professionals.

"Safe and sane fireworks don't exist," he said. "When things go wrong with fireworks, they go very wrong, very fast—far faster than any fire protection provisions can reliably respond."

The also issued a safety alert Tuesday, reminding residents that it is illegal to store, sell or set off fireworks outside a licensed public exhibition.

Police also encouraged residents to end their holiday parties at a respectful time, and to avoid drinking and driving. Regular curfew hours will be in effect (9 p.m. for kids 13 and under; 11 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 12:01 a.m., Friday and Saturday, for teens 13-17).

The annual Independence Day Extravaganza will be held from 4 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. on Tuesday, July 3, at , 16028 W. 127th St.

The firework display is scheduled to begin at dusk.

"We are anticipating a large crowd at the July 3 Lemont fireworks celebration," police said. "If you have small children, keep them close to ensure they do not get lost. If they are too young to memorize their personal information, provide them with a card or paper with their home address, phone number and cell phone number of a parent. We ask that you leave your pets at home if you are planning to attend the fireworks celebration at the park district."

Firework facts

The following information was provided by the Lemont Fire Protection District:

• In 2010, fireworks caused an estimated 15,500 reported fires, including 1,100 total structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 14,100 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated eight reported civilian deaths, 60 civilian injuries and $36 million in direct property damage.

• In 2010, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 8,600 people for fireworks related injuries; 57 percent of 2010 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 37 percent were to the head.

• The risk of fireworks injury was highest for children ages 5-14, with more than twice the risk for the general population.

• On Independence Day in a typical year, far more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for two out of five of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.

For more on fireworks safety, check out:

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