Cue the cook outs, the camping and of course the fireworks. This weekend is the start of the Fourth of July Holiday for many folks.

Thousands of people gear up to celebrate Independence Day by picking up the latest in personal pyrotechnics. But close to 10,000 people become the victims of fireworks each year.

It's that time again. Roadside fireworks stands are popping up and everyone's getting their sparklers and snakes for their parties or picnics.

Every year it's a busy night as calls to the local fire departments spikes.

"Fourth of July is usually the night you don't want to be working," said Allentown Fire Captain John Christopher.

He wants to make sure your 4th of July festivities don't go up in flames.

"A lot of those things you're not even allowed to use," explained Christopher. "If it's a ground sparkler it's one thing, but anything like a roman candle, anything that shoots anything off you're not allowed to use."

Statewide basically anything that makes a sound or leaves the ground is an illegal firework. In the Allentown city limits it's even more restrictive.

"Sparklers, poppers, those ground snakes and that's about it."

And even those can do damage. Sparklers burn at temperatures hotter than 1,100 degrees.

"Have a bucket of water handy to extinguish it when it's done," said Christopher.

Make sure your fun is supervised and keep a safe distance from any fireworks. Fire crews recommend keeping them at least 15 feet away from combustible structures.

"So you don't want to be using those on the deck or anything else."

With all the hot humid weather we've been having Christopher says you should take extra precautions to stay safe.

"Maybe you want to hose down that area cause the grass might be a little dried out."

Make sure you check with your municipality for the fireworks rules in your area.