New Year’s Eve and other special holidays are often celebrated with fireworks.

They also lead to thousands of injuries and fires each year.

According to a Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District press release, fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires each year, including 1,300 structure fires. This New Year’s Eve, the district is asking residents to consider safer alternatives for their celebrations, such as confetti poppers, glow sticks, or streamers.

“Many people don’t realize that even bottle rockets can set off a fire. They can come down and ignite the dry vegetation. The cold weather and dew points can play a role in sparking a fire, especially in Lehigh Acres, where many homes are surrounded by overgrown lots,” said Katie Heck, spokesperson for Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District.

While the recent rain has helped relieve dry conditions, Heck recommends taking every precaution.

Injuries are another concern, said Heck. “Fires are one thing but we also see a lot of injuries every year, especially with the children.”

Fireworks that explode or leave the ground are dangerous and illegal, but things such as sparklers that are legal to use, may still carry a risk of injury.

According to United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, when lit, sparklers can burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees — hot enough to melt some metals.

“Younger children should not be holding sparklers. They might not react like you think they would while holding something like a sparkler,” Heck said.

Choosing a safe/legal firework is the responsibility of each resident.

Florida law states fireworks that leave the ground or explode, such as bottle rockets, firecrackers, Roman candles and heavy mortars are prohibited.

Illegal fireworks are often obtained by signing a certain waiver, which protects the seller from prosecution. The waiver basically claims that the customer says they work in agriculture and are using the fireworks for such use.

Fireworks that fall under safe and legal include: sparklers, fountains, snappers, snakes, glow worms, smoke balls and trick noisemakers.

According to Heck, the fire district just wants residents to be extra careful when it comes to fire hazards.

“If you have an outdoor grill or fire going, just be aware that as the day goes by, wind patterns may shift. This can cause embers to go into a neighbor’s property, or onto their garbage. In hopes of preventing a fire outbreak, the fire district has compiled a list of safety tips this season,” Heck said.

Safety tips

Residents who choose to celebrate with fireworks, outdoor grills or campfires, can follow these safety tips:

– Light fireworks in a cleared area free of vegetation or dry debris

– Clear debris from around campfires, grills and all fire sources

– Remove debris from any location where fireworks could land

– Always have a water source available

– Aim fireworks away from people, homes and wooded areas

– Never use homemade fireworks

– Discard used fireworks in a bucket of water;

– Store unused fireworks, matches, and lighters out of the sight and reach of children

– Never leave a fire unattended and ensure it is completely out before leaving it

– Report any fire immediately to 9-1-1

“Overlooking safety precautions can lead to a fire or injury,” stated Chief Robert DiLallo in a press release. “We urge residents to enjoy a safe start to the New Year by celebrating responsibly.”

For more information on the Lehigh Acres Fire Control and Rescue District and safety tips, visit lehighfd.com.