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Authorities Urge Caution Over July 4 Holiday

(STMW) -- Chicago police and fire officials are reminding residents to make safety a priority when celebrating the July 4 holiday.

All fireworks, including sparklers, are illegal in the city of Chicago and can only be used by individuals holding permits for special displays, according to a statement by the police department.

"Bottle rockets and fireworks can land on rooftops or porches and pose a serious risk of igniting fires that can quickly spread," Chicago Fire Department Commissioner Jose Santiago said in a statement.

"Even sparklers, which burn at nearly 2,000 degrees, can ignite clothing or lead to serious injury and can permanently scar anyone burned by the dripping residue or contact with the device. Residents are encouraged to enjoy the spectacular, legally permitted fireworks displays, like the one at Navy Pier."

Although residents are prohibited from consuming alcohol on Park District property, they are allowed to barbecue in designated areas of the parks. Additional police officers will be in certain city parks, housing authority developments, public transits, and other locations to ensure a safe environment, police said.

"We want everyone to enjoy their holiday weekend, but most importantly we want everyone to have a safe holiday weekend," Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy said in the statement. "As part of that, our officers will be out patrolling and enforcing the park regulations to ensure and provide the safest atmosphere possible."

(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2014. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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