More fires are reported on Independence Day than on any other day of the year. In a year when state fires are already up, Troy Fire Chief Thomas Outlaw is doing all he can to prevent any of those fires from occurring locally.

“They’re not allowed within the city limits, but some folks still shoot them,” he said. “We’ve had a couple houses in the past that we knew were set from fireworks.”

Fire fatalities have also risen.

“Already in Alabama, we’ve had 61 fire deaths, which is way above average for this point of the year,” Outlaw said.

Pike County has not had a fire-related death and Outlaw would like to keep it that way. He offered a few safety tips for anyone who plans to make shooting fireworks a part of this weekend’s celebration.

“Keep a bucket of water, a garden hose or a fire extinguisher handy, and keep the fireworks out of the hands of children,” he said.

A 2013 U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission study listed eight deaths and an estimated 11,400 consumers sustained injuries related to fireworks across the United States. Of those injuries, about 45 percent were to children 15 and under. Most of the injuries were to the head and eyes.

The 2013 total was an increase over the 8,700 injuries in 2012. Sixty-five percent (7,400) of the 2013 injuries occurred within 30 days of July 4, 2013.

Lt. Bryan Weed of the Troy Police Department said fireworks should not be shot directly at someone and should not be held once they are lit. “I enjoy fireworks like anybody, but they’re an explosive and should be used with the respect you would show anything that could blow off your hand,” he said.

Because they are illegal in city limits, anyone caught with fireworks could face a fine.

Johnny Rushing, manager of Crazy Bill’s Fireworks, said fireworks have an expiration date. “If you try to use them, nine times out of 10, you will get a dud,” he said. “But, if they are very deteriorated, no structure left, they can be extremely dangerous.”

Manufacturers recommend selling fireworks within three or four years. As a precaution, Rushing said his company disposes of them after two years.

Sparklers have often been considered benign enough for children to hold, but they come with their own set of precautions: always remain standing while using sparklers; never hold a child in your arms while using sparklers; never hold, or light, more than one sparkler at a time; and never throw sparklers.

“Sparklers can reach up to 2,000 degrees, hot enough to melt some metal. The wire and stick stay hot long after the flame has gone out,” added Outlaw. “Be sure to drop spent sparklers in a bucket of water.”

Teach children not to wave sparklers, or run, while holding sparklers.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety offered these tips:

Parents and caretakers should always closely supervise teens if they are using fireworks.

Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.

Fireworks should only be used outdoors.

Always have water ready if you are shooting fireworks.

Know your fireworks. Read the caution label before igniting.

Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.

Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.

Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.