It's better to see a display than to set off fireworks this year

The Wauwatosa Fire Department is urging residents to refrain from setting off fireworks, given the stretch of dry weather and numerous accidents and injuries caused every year.

Instead, anyone interested in pyrotechnics can plan to attend a public fireworks display, Assistant Fire Chief James Case suggested.

Other than sparklers less than 36 inches long, snakes and small exploding caps, it is illegal to set off fireworks. Even the permitted items present a danger, Case said. For instance, sparklers burn extremely hot and send a number of people to the emergency rooms each year.

Residents who do choose to use permitted fireworks should be extra cautious during the dry conditions. Keep a water source such as a hose or bucket on hand, Case said.