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Watch: Mannequins pay the price as Orange County Fire Authority demonstrates dangers of illegal fireworks

by in News

“Fire in the hole!” yelled a bomb squad technician as he used surplus Sears mannequins to demonstrate the risks of illegal fireworks Wednesday, June 26, at the Orange County Fire Authority in Irvine.

The result of the demonstrations presented to the media: One unfortunate mannequin lost a hand from an M-80 explosion; another lost its head after an illegal firework exploded.

In 2018, Orange County saw 38 fireworks-induced trips to the emergency room — up from 29 the year before, said OCFA Fire Chief Brian Fennessy. There were 12,000 such ER trips nationwide.

“Generally speaking, there are two types of fireworks, ‘Safe and Sane’ and dangerous,” said Orange County Undersheriff Bob Peterson. Only 10 cities in the county allow the use of Safe and Sane fireworks.

  • OCFA Fire Chief Brian Fennessy talks about the dangers of illegal fireworks at the Orange County Fire Authority in Irvine, CA, on Wednesday, June 26, 2019. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • The left hand and side of mannequin are damaged after an M-80 was detonated during a demonstration by the Orange County Fire Authority in Irvine, CA, on Wednesday, June 26, 2019. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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  • Examples of legal fireworks at the Orange County Fire Authority in Irvine, CA, on Wednesday, June 26, 2019. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • The simulated head of mannequin after it exploded during a demonstration by the Orange County Fire Authority in Irvine, CA, on Wednesday, June 26, 2019. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • Examples of illegal fireworks at the Orange County Fire Authority in Irvine, CA, on Wednesday, June 26, 2019. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

  • The simulated head of mannequin explodes after an illegal firework was detonated during a demonstration by the Orange County Fire Authority in Irvine, CA, on Wednesday, June 26, 2019. (Photo by Jeff Gritchen, Orange County Register/SCNG)

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Fennessy pointed out that even Safe and Sane sparklers, which burn at 1,200 degrees, can be dangerous.

If you want to watch a professional show, many Orange County cities host community celebrations capped by fireworks shows. Check out some of the events planned here.