(WHTM) — The Pennsylvania Office of State Fire Commissioner is reminding folks to be responsible and safe this Memorial Day weekend, especially if fireworks are involved.

“Fireworks are capable of causing serious injury or death and must be treated with extreme caution,” State Fire Commissioner Thomas Cook said. “It is everyone’s responsibility to keep themselves and their fellow Pennsylvanians safe. We also want to remind anyone planning purchase and display fireworks to adhere to local laws regarding fireworks usage, and to read and follow all manufacturer safety guidelines.”

According to a report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2023, there were eight fireworks-related deaths and nearly 10,000 fireworks-related injuries resulting in an emergency room visit. Fireworks also set 31,302 fires in 2022, causing $109 million in damages.

“It’s important to remember that while consumer-grade and novelty fireworks are legal, improper use can lead to serious injuries or fires,” said Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police Colonel Christopher Paris. “Please follow the laws and use fireworks safely and responsibly.”

Pennsylvania law allows adults to purchase, possess, and use consumer-grade fireworks, like bottle-rockets, Roman candles, and fireworks containing up to 50 milligrams of explosive materials, and as long as they are 150 feet away from a building or vehicle.

Aside from the property damage or personal injury risk, there are fines for setting off fireworks within that range, on private or public property without permission, directed at or set off from a vehicle or building, at another person, or while under the influence.

The law does not include ground and handheld sparkling devices, novelties or toy caps, which are permitted at all times.

Some fireworks safety tips shared by the Office of State Fire Commissioner include:

• Avoid alcohol and drugs: Never use fireworks after consuming alcohol, illegal drugs, or medications that can impair judgment.
• Supervise children: Never allow young children to handle fireworks. Sparklers, which burn at 2,000°F, are the second leading cause of fireworks-related ER visits.
• Prepare for emergencies: Keep a bucket of water, hose, or fire extinguisher nearby when setting off fireworks.
• Use protective gear: Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes.
• Handle fireworks properly: Never hold fireworks in your hand or place any part of your body over them.
• Maintain a safe distance: Never light fireworks inside, near people, or near buildings.
• Dispose of fireworks safely: Soak spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding them.
• Keep pets safe: Keep pets indoors, close curtains or blinds, and provide background noise to reduce stress.​
• Stay legal: Illegal fireworks should never be used.

Fireworks are also prohibited on public lands, including Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources lands — state parks and forests.

“State parks and forests are great destinations for Great American Getaways in the summer months and we expect to welcome millions of visitors to public lands,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “With that in mind, we ask that the public take all necessary precautions to protect the Commonwealth’s lands for the season as we continue to see dry conditions that make fireworks and other fire risks more likely to create wildfires.”

DCNR says 99% of all wildfires are caused by people.