To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Albany officials are urging safety as police step up patrols to keep illegal fireworks under control.

Physicians at Albany Med joined police and fire officials to send a message that fireworks should be left to the professionals. They say more than twice the number of fires are reported on the 4th of July than any other day.

Officials say even seemingly basic fireworks like sparklers burn at 1,200 degrees, which can cause severe injuries. They warn the best way to stay out of the emergency room is to leave illegal fireworks alone.

"What we typically see are burns. We can see anything from minor burns to the hands to significant serious burns, either caused by the fireworks themselves or from the fireworks causing a fire," said Albany Medical Center Physician Daniel Pauze.

"They can cause brush fires, which is the majority of the fires, house fires, car fires. Eight deaths per year is our last statistic," said Albany Fire Department Deputy Chief Frank Nerney.

Officials say the recent dry weather we've had has increased the risk for a brush fire.