CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The July 4th holiday is approaching! Hot, dry, and humid weather makes fireworks especially dangerous this time of year! This is a time for celebration and fun! One way that people celebrate "Independence Day" is the use of fireworks, which too can be enjoyable, if you remember to obey the law!

Certain fireworks are illegal to sell or possess in North Carolina. These include firecrackers, ground spinners, bottle rockets, roman candles, and aerial fireworks. Violators of the law face misdemeanor charges punishable by a fine not to exceed $500 and/or imprisonment not to exceed six months.

In general, sparklers, fountains and novelty fireworks items that do not explode or are not intended to spin or to leave the ground and fly through the air, are permitted for use in North Carolina.

A simple rule of thumb; anything that explodes or is projected into the air is illegal.

The Charlotte Fire Department wants to remind everyone that children under the age of 16 cannot legally buy or use fireworks in North Carolina.

In 2007, approximately 9,500 people sustained an injury from fireworks serious enough to send them to their local emergency room. The majority of the injuries were from burns.

Sparklers are the most frequent cause of firework injuries to children nationwide. A lit sparkler can reach temperatures of up to 1800 degrees that can cause third degree burns when a child grabs the wire