Juen 30, 2026 – As Central Illinois prepares for Fourth of July celebrations, officials are reminding residents to put safety first during holiday festivities.
Dr. Brandon Koser, chief medical officer at Decatur Memorial Hospital and an emergency department physician, said Memorial Health emergency teams see preventable injuries every Independence Day involving fireworks, burns, water accidents and heat-related illnesses.
“We see fireworks injuries every year around the Fourth of July, and many people underestimate the risks,” Koser said. “Sparklers may seem harmless, but they can reach temperatures of around 2,000 degrees, which is hot enough to cause serious burns in seconds.”
Koser recommends using fireworks only outdoors, keeping them away from people and structures, closely supervising children and never attempting to relight fireworks that fail to ignite.
The Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal encourages residents to leave fireworks displays to professionals, noting accidental fires, serious injuries and deaths occur every year because of fireworks.
The State Fire Marshal also warns that novelty fireworks, including sparklers, snappers and poppers, can be dangerous. Sparklers burn at temperatures exceeding 1,200 degrees, hot enough to cause severe burns instantly.
During Illinois’ 2025 Fourth of July reporting period, 44 hospitals and healthcare facilities reported 152 fireworks-related injuries. More than half of those injured suffered multiple injuries. Mortars accounted for the largest share of reported injuries, followed by Roman candles, sparklers and bottle rockets. Hands, fingers and the head or face were the most commonly injured body parts.
Beyond fireworks, Memorial Health officials say backyard grills, fire pits, lakes and pools also pose risks during holiday gatherings.
“One of the most common situations we encounter is when everyone assumes someone else is watching the water,” Koser said. “It only takes a few seconds for a child or an adult who cannot swim to get into trouble.”
Koser recommends designating one adult to actively supervise swimmers, minimizing distractions, wearing life jackets while boating or on open water and avoiding alcohol while swimming or operating watercraft.
With hot temperatures expected across much of Illinois this holiday weekend, residents are also encouraged to stay hydrated and watch for symptoms of heat-related illness, including dizziness, nausea, headaches, heavy sweating and fatigue.
Koser said emergency medical care should be sought for burns that blister or affect the face, hands or joints, any eye injury caused by fireworks, signs of drowning or breathing difficulties after water exposure, or severe symptoms of heat illness.
“Our emergency teams are always ready no matter what the situation,” Koser said. “But we would rather see people enjoying the holiday than needing our care. A little advanced planning can help keep celebrations safe and enjoyable for everyone.”
The State Fire Marshal is also reminding pet owners that fireworks can frighten both domestic animals and wildlife, increasing the risk that pets become lost or animals are injured during the holiday.
