A Florida man lost part of his hand while setting off fireworks on the Fourth of July. Lauderdale Fire Assistant Chief Jeff Levy said the man’s hand was "partially amputated" when they arrived just before midnight. He also lost a couple fingers and had chest injuries. PHOTOS: 4th on Flagler 30th Anniversary Fireworks When they arrived at the home, west of the Turnpike and south of Oakland Park Boulevard, Levy said people were in the street after setting off fireworks. Witnesses told them that the man ignited a cherry bomb, but they were unable to confirm that. The man, in his 20s, was taken to a hospital as a trauma alert patient. Using most fireworks is illegal in Florida; if it launches or explodes, it is off-limits. Using fireworks illegally is a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. » Dear neighbors: Stop setting off fireworks » Download our PostNOW app to get the latest Breaking News<doc-sep>FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A 24-year-old man lost his hand Friday while playing with fireworks, according to the Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Department. Firefighters responded to a home at 2800 NW 21 St., near Bass Park. Fire Rescue personnel took him to Broward Health where doctors amputated the man's hand. The firefighters had a warning on Twitter Friday night: "Please remember how dangerous fireworks can be."<doc-sep>A Lakeland man was seriously injured after a firework exploded in his hand on the 4th of July. Jonathan Soto, 35, of Lakeland suffered injuries on his left hand and his chest after he grabbed a mortar-style firework in his left hand and waited for it to ignite. The firework blew up in his hand and EMS was called to the scene on East Lane in Lake Wales at approximately 10:40 p.m. Alcohol appears to be a factor in the incident, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Soto was taken to Lakeland Regional for treatment of his injuries. A surveillance camera captured the moment the firework exploded in Soto's hand.<doc-sep>Unfortunate accident in Antioch as this man suffered major hand injuries after he found a large unlit firework and it exploded after he lit it. pic.twitter.com/ElC3cqRRt6 — Lyanne Melendez (@LyanneMelendez) July 5, 2018 ANTIOCH, Calif. (KGO) -- A 33-year-old Antioch man suffered injuries to both hands after he found and then lit a firework.He was rushed to the hospital, hoping that doctors can save both hands. It happened Thursday morning outside an auto repair shop in Antioch.A worker, Juan Bravo, told investigators how he made a tourniquet to try to stop the bleeding after his brother-in-law was injured. A firework had gone off in his hands. "His tendons, they were hanging. The tendons, the ones that keep the fingers together, were hanging," said Bravo as he described the gruesome scene.He and his brother-in-law, Francisco Javier Alfaro, work at Gumaro's Auto Repair in Antioch. They had just brought in this dumpster from outside when Alfaro found an abandoned firework.The owner of the auto store said they made the discovery as they were putting trash inside the dumpster. "He went outside and lit it up and I guess in the process of lighting it up, it went off in his hands," explained Gumaro Gomez, owner of the shop.Bravo said he tried to discourage him from setting it off after he realized it had a short fuse. "I said no, no don't fire it up, the fuse was too small. I was in the restroom and came out and it exploded in his hands," said Bravo.Alfaro was immediately treated and transported to the hospital. The 33-year-old father of two had lost a lot of blood. The spent firework was found outside the shop.Captain George Laing of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District says the man's injuries were severe. He told ABC7 it's frustrating for them because this year the county increased its message about the dangers of fireworks. "We're no longer talking about bottle rockets or cherry bombs, we're talking about commercial grade mortars being launched from residential neighborhoods," said Laing.All types of fireworks are illegal in Contra Costa County, even the Safe and Sane kind.<doc-sep>
Doctors and veterinarians are urging everyone to stay safe while setting off fireworks. In the past two days, a 16-year-old boy suffered serious injuries on his face and hand and just a 23-year-old man injured his hand. Likewise an English Bulldog was injured. The Bulldog, Red, had gotten loose without his family knowing. While they were setting off firecrackers, Red chased one and landed right on it as it exploded. Dr. Julie Clauer, the veterinarian at Animal Emergency Center of the Quad Cities who treated Red explains his injuries, "a lot of his wounds were small lacerations with some abrasions and minor burns. He did have some fairly larges injuries on his lower legs as well." Red also had to have his dew claw, or thumb, amputated. Dr. Clauer says Red was sent home the next day and is since recovering. Dr. Clauer says while this was a complete accident, there are ways to ensure your pet's safety. If you have a pet, here are some tips to keep them safe this holiday: Keep them indoors and in a secure room on the lower level. If they are afraid of fireworks, isolate them in an insulated room where they won't be able to hear the noise. You can also turn on the TV or music to help mask the sound. If they have severe anxiety or fears, talk to your vet. They can give you a medication specifically designed to treat their fear and anxiety. Veterinarians recommend you do not take your pet to firework shows or anywhere where fireworks will be set off. If your neighbors set off fireworks, ask them to let you know when they plan to do so. That way you can plan ahead and prepare for your pet.