Every 4th of July, Americans gather around dangerous explosives to celebrate the country’s independence. And every year, these explosives injure thousands of patriotic partiers.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety estimates that there were 9,600 fireworks-related injuries in 2004. The Consumer Product Safety Commission states that there were 11 deaths related to fireworks in 2007.

Along with being harmful to humans, fireworks can spark major fires, costing millions of dollars nationwide each year. In 2007, for example, out of control fireworks caused a massive wildfire in Saugatuck, Michigan that destroyed three homes and damaged a fourth. The cost: $2 million. Also in 2007, a mother of three was killed by illegal, commercial grade fireworks during a show that was not manned by professionals as it should have been.

Fireworks: sometimes the risk far outweighs the reward.

But seriously, have a great (and safe) 4th of July.

UPDATE: The Times is reporting 32 deaths this year.

“We’re doing something that is measurable,” said John P. Hassett, chemistry professor at the State University College of Environmental Science and Forestry at Syracuse. “It’s hard to say how bad it is.”