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Buy fireworks at sanctioned stands, and beware of burn risks, Las Vegas deputy fire marshal and burn center doctor warn

FILE - In this July 2, 2013, file photo, a family purchases fireworks at a TNT Fireworks stand in the City of Monterey Park, Calif. (AP Photo/Nick Ut, File)
Nick Ut
/
AP
FILE - In this July 2, 2013, file photo, a family purchases fireworks at a TNT Fireworks stand in the City of Monterey Park, Calif. (AP Photo/Nick Ut, File)

You can tell the Fourth of July is around the corner when all the roadside fireworks stands pop up. Fireworks at the best of times can be a risky proposition. In a desert, they're downright dangerous. That’s why only so-called “safe and sane” fireworks are allowed.

However, that’s not going to stop some from crossing over the county line and buying illegal fireworks — stuff like mortars, bottle rockets and firecrackers — and turning the holiday into what feels like a war zone to some residents.

KNPR's State of Nevada talked about what’s at risk this holiday weekend with one of the top officials participating in prevention ... and one of those who have to deal with the aftermath when prevention fails: a burn center doctor.


Guests: Rick Rozier, deputy fire marshal, Las Vegas Fire Department; Jay Coates, medical director, Sunrise Hospital Burn & Reconstruction Center

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Paul serves as KNPR's producer and reporter in Northern Nevada. Based in Reno, Paul specializes in politics, covering the state legislature as well as national issues' effect in Nevada.