CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
A press conference regarding fire safety over the Fourth of July holiday came to an ironic end Tuesday, when fireworks accidentally shot into a crowd, leaving a safety expert with minor injuries.
"My message to you on behalf of the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance is: please leave the fireworks to the professionals," IFSA's Mary Werderitch said.
It was the professionals doing the demonstrating Tuesday.
Hillside Fire Chief Michael Kuryla led Tuesday's safety demonstration in Mount Prospect. At first, showing how quickly a sparkler can burn through a child's clothing.
But when he ignited two fireworks canisters, it became a real-life learning experience, with an un-intended lesson.
Within seconds, one of the cans tipped over, and instead of shooting up, the flames shot sideways - hitting a nearby fire official in the foot.
Illinois Fire Safety Alliance's Laura Barros suffered a small burn on her foot. The assistant executive director said the injury happened before she saw or felt it, but that she would be alright.
"It hurts, just a little spark and that's what happens," Barros said. "It could hurt anybody - and I was standing how far back…"
Bystanders poured water over the burn and paramedics were called. A sheepish fire chief immediately apologized.
Chief Kuryla stressed a specific point: even when handled by experienced individuals, fireworks can be dangerous. He said no one was supposed to be hurt during the presentation.
"This is very unfortunate, and not meant to be part of any demonstration this morning," Kuryla said. "You can see what those fireworks did, they have enough force to tip over and instead of the flaming ball shooting into the air - they started shooting at us and you. I'd just like to get that message across, that in any hands, trained or untrained, these are very very dangerous."
Barros said that if her foot had been a piece of wood or dry grass, things would have turned out much worse.
She was taken to the hospital to be checked out. But before leaving, she said even in the most controlled environment, hazardous accidents can happen.
Barros emphasized caution to those using novelty fireworks to celebrate this holiday.
Twice as many fires are reported on the Fourth of July as an average day.
Officials blamed fireworks for that statistic, and cautioned that the dry weather we've been having will make them even more of a threat this year.
