ORnews@observer-reporter.com

An M-80 explosion last week that injured a 9-year-old Belle Vernon boy marked the first fireworks-related incident in the area this Fourth of July season.

The powerful firecracker, lit by Brandon Barcus Jr. himself, left a hole in his left middle finger after his father left it on a counter next to a lighter, police said. Brandon Barcus Sr. was charged by Southwest Regional police with endangering the welfare of children and recklessly endangering another person.

Nationally, an estimated 6,300 fireworks-related injuries were treated in the country's hospital emergency departments between June 22 and July 22, 2007, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission 2007 Fireworks Annual Report. Injuries were down by 100 from 2006, but 11 people died both years.

Local police and health professionals are warning of the dangers associated with both legal and illegal explosives, such as the M-80.

"It isn't a firework; it's a baby bomb. The state passed a law because of the safety issue. There may be many people who are responsible, but most people aren't," said John Dale Hartman, chief of Southwest Regional Police Department.

Pennsylvania fireworks laws permit devices that contain 0.25 grains or less of explosive compound, including sparklers, toy pistols and toy cannons.

The law specifically prohibits anything that produces a combustion, explosion or detonation. That includes firecrackers, skyrockets, Roman candles, aerial fireworks and any fireworks containing an explosive or flammable compound.

"We're patriotic Americans, but people are their own worst enemies," Hartman said.

Add irresponsible behavior to explosive material, and there are bound to be problems.

"Stay away," Hartman said. "Don't break the law and purchase them. If you do feel compelled to purchase them, get rid of them. If you're going to buy the legal kind, make sure an adult is present."

He estimates his department responds to about a dozen fireworks-related calls each year.

If caught with illegal fireworks, violators face up to a $300 fine and their fireworks are confiscated.

Hartman recommends families watch fireworks this year from displays set off by a licensed practitioner but said even that has an element of danger.

"Even when there are great measures to be taken, sometimes things go wrong," he said.

For safety, the American Red Cross recommends spectators stay 500 feet away from professional displays.

The legal fireworks in Pennsylvania are not necessarily safer. Sparklers, used commonly by children, reach temperatures of 1,800 degrees.

Children and young adults under 20 accounted for 54 percent of the estimated fireworks injuries, according to the CPSC report.

Brenda Walther, director of emergency services at Monongahela Valley Hospital, sees the dangerous side of sparklers when patients come in for treatment.

"The majority we see are hand and eye injuries, which can lead to blindness," she said. "Two-thirds of the cases we see are treatable, but the potential is there for permanent eye injury."

Besides sparklers, people are injured by bottle rockets, which are really not able to be controlled, she said. Walther also recommended steering clear of both homemade devices and anything made for professionals.

"Enjoy the show from a safe place. Leave it to the professionals."

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