COLUMBIA (WACH) -- Local fireworks retailers say sales are booming leading up to the Fourth of July.
John Casey owns Jim Casey's Fireworks on Rosewood. Despite economic hard times, he says it's been a battle to keep fireworks on the shelves.
"I think people are using the fireworks as a way to escape all the negativity and you're seeing families come together and bring a positive situation with an American tradition that's been going on since the 1700's," John Casey says.
When enjoying your rocket's red glare, experts warn to do so at a safe distance.
Officials want to stress safety this holiday weekend before you light that fuse.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports thousands of people will injure their hands and eyes using fireworks this year.
But Columbia Interim Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins says you can prevent that if you follow common sense safety rules and your fireworks display will go off without a hitch.
"A lot of things that people take for granted, they take for granted that it just won't happen to me," Jenkins explains. "But when you are dealing with fireworks you got to make sure you're protecting your eyes when you light off these things. A lot of folks like to hold sparklers and wave them around. Get you some eye protection."
Click here for more fireworks safety tips.
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