The Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal is reminding residents that the best way to have a safe holiday is to let trained professionals handle fireworks.  The public is urged to attend public firework displays and avoid using consumer fireworks.  According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2011 fireworks caused 9,600 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms.  Sparklers, fountains and novelty fireworks alone accounted for 34 percent of those injuries.  During the same year, fire departments responded to 17,800 fires caused by fireworks.   In Illinois last year, 76 emergency incidents were linked to the use of fireworks.  Residents are reminded that under the Illinois Fireworks Act, it is illegal to possess, purchase or use consumer fireworks without a consumer display permit obtained from local authorities.  Since 2013, sky lanterns were also included in the list of illegal fireworks in Illinois.  Individuals caught with controlled consumer fireworks without the necessary display permit could be subject to arrest.  According to NFPA, most of the injuries involving fireworks are children between 5 and 14 years old.  Consumer fireworks also carry a high risk of accidents and serious injuries.  Firecrackers and sparklers, which are considered to be harmless, can burn at a temperature of more than 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit.  Fireworks use can endanger users, bystanders, and surrounding properties and structures.  For more information about fireworks safety please visit the OSFM website at www.sfm.illinois.gov.