WEST MILFORD Not only are fireworks dangerous, they are illegal in New Jersey. The laws concerning explosives and fireworks are contained in Title 21 of New Jersey Statutes, and the enforcing agency is the Municipal Police Department. Chief of Police Paul Costello recently announced that police officers will be actively enforcing the fireworks statute as the Fourth of July holiday and summer approaches. Individuals found to be in possession of, or using fireworks can expect to be charged. These violations are dangerous and disruptive to others and their quality of life. While the possession and/or use of fireworks are petty disorderly persons offenses, fines can be as high as $500. The sale of fireworks, or possession of fireworks with the intent to sell, is a fourth degree crime, with fines that can go as high as $10,000 and a prison term of up to 18 months. Parents allowing children to possess and use fireworks are placing them in harms way and risking criminal charges themselves. Studies have shown that fireworks injure more than 9,000 people each year. Only a small percentage of those people, about 2 percent, are injured while spectators at a commercial fireworks display. By far, nearly all of the injuries are a result of fireworks that have been purchased and used by individuals. Firecrackers account for approximately 25 percent of injuries with males accounting for 75 percent of those injured. Forty-five percent of injuries occur to children 14 years of age and younger, with children aged 5 to 9 making up the majority of those injured in that age group. Children under 5 are more likely to be injured by sparklers than firecrackers. Most injuries occur to the hands, fingers, eyes and face with burns accounting for more than half of all injuries. The West Milford Police Department sent out a release asking people to use common sense during the summer, and avoid the use of fireworks.