CHICAGO, IL - The Fourth of July is more than a month away, but state officials say it isn't too early to start thinking about firework safety.

Coinciding with National Fireworks Safety Month, the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal is reminding people about just how deadly fireworks can be. It notes there were two fatal accidents involving fireworks in Illinois last year and nearly 200 injuries. State Fire Marshal Larry Matkaitis says there's no such thing as completely safe fireworks and only those with proper permits can buy them or set them off. Those who break the law can be subject to
arrest.

The National Council of Fireworks Safety reports that careless use of fireworks causes nearly 10,000 injuries in the United States each year.