SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – From burns on the hands and face to the loss of fingers and other limbs, Seminole County firefighters say they see a spike in injuries around the Fourth of July – mainly due to fireworks accidents.

Lt. Dave Williams with Seminole County Fire Department explained the process they use to help victims on scene.

[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]

According to Williams, the department has special burn sheets ready for patients.

“We have these burn sheets that we’ll apply to them if they have a large surface injury or a smaller injury,” Williams said.

“We size up the patient and we wrap it on. We apply it to wherever the injury is and tighten it up. Then we twist it up and control the injury itself,” he added.

Injuries aren’t the only concern. Williams said the department also responds to a rise in structure fires.

“A lot of dumpster fires, a lot of house fires the night of and the next day. We have the seasons where there are one or two, and then we have those seasons where it’s 15,” he explained.

To prevent these types of fires, Williams recommends soaking used fireworks in a bucket of water for 24 hours before throwing them away.

Williams said that the safest way to celebrate and light up the night sky is to come to one of the events—like “Rock, Freedom, and Fireworks” Celebration in Longwood—and leave it to the professionals.

Several families at the event on Saturday evening echoed that sentiment.

“When you hear about it and you see it on the news, that’s why we’d rather come out here and enjoy the safe environment,” said Seminole County resident David Cornilot. “If you’re gonna do it, you gotta do it safe.”

Ana Williams, another local resident, added, “You always hear the stories and you get scared, and that’s why you go to something like this so you don’t have to handle them.”

Fire officials also stress that illegally using fireworks can lead to serious legal consequences. Under Florida law, it’s a first-degree misdemeanor that could result in a $1,000 fine and up to a year in jail.

Authorities urge everyone to check their city ordinances before deciding to celebrate with fireworks at home.

If you do plan to use fireworks on your own, Lt. Williams gave some safety tips to follow:

• Use eye protection when using fireworks 

• Never light and hold fireworks or point them at somebody

• Never let children use fireworks 

• Light fireworks in an open area away from trees or structures 

• Put used fireworks in water for 24 hours before you throw them away 

• Look up your city ordinances before use