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Hands Off: Stolen Fireworks Could Result in Just That

Sheriff warns public to steer clear of missing commercial-grade explosives

By Peggy Cassidy

| Tuesday, Jul 28, 2009 | Updated 1:18 PM CDT

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Hands Off: Stolen Fireworks Could Result in Just That

A blown up watermelon is nothing compared to what these missing fireworks can do to a person's hand ... or head.

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Police: Illegal Fireworks Can Kill

A DuPage County Sheriff's Deputy shows off powerful fireworks that were illegally sold in the area -- and could easily kill you.

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Police: Illegal
Fireworks Can Kill

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Five thousand pounds of hot fireworks and an amateur pyrotechnician could prove a deadly combination, according to DuPage County Sheriff's Department officials.

"I'm very concerned," said Sgt. Jim Ruff, commander of the department's Hazardous Device Unit.

The commercial-grade explosives, not meant for backyard parties, were part of a large, illegal supply of fireworks recently found in southern DuPage County. Sheriffs helped dispose of that stash, but authorities say thousands of pounds from that bust were removed and possibly sold on the street.

The missing explosives are described as being turnip-shaped and covered in heavy brown paper -- range from 5 inches to 10 inches in diameter, according to the Sun-Times.

"Fireworks in the wrong hands are extremely dangerous," the paper quotes DuPage County Sheriff John Zaruba as saying, while he encouraged citizens to call police or the Sheriff's Office if they find unattended fireworks.

Hands off -- as in don't touch, not a reference to what's likely to happen if an amateur tries to fire these babies.