Posted at: 07/01/2009 3:31 PM | WHEC.com
Updated at: 07/01/2009 10:38 PM
By: Thalia Hayden
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Local officials demonstrate dangers of homemade fireworks
Fourth of July and fireworks go hand-in-hand but officials are once again warning people about homemade fireworks. Today the Monroe County Bomb Squad held a fireworks demonstration to show the danger of homemade fireworks.
Mark Jenis with the bomb squad says homemade explosives are more dangerous than a commercial firecracker, and if you're caught with one, you'll be charged with a felony. “The misconception is that these are nothing more than a big firework type of thing when in actuality these are home made.”
Sheriff Patrick O’Flynn said, “Without a doubt, we end up having reports to the hospital - people sustaining some type of serious injuries.”
In 2008, officials say there were seven cases of criminal possession of fireworks. O’Flynn added, “It seems that they're very prevalent throughout the community.”
The Monroe County Sheriff wants to remind you that all fireworks are illegal, even sparklers. This is the most common reason children end up in the emergency room - burns on their face or body from sparklers.
Officials say so far this year they haven't made any firework related arrests, but say that may change this weekend.
For more Rochester, N.Y. news go to our website www.whec.com.
