Rockland County officials demonstrated the dangers of personal fireworks use in Pomona Monday.

Personal fireworks use is illegal in New York, but authorities say that doesn't stop people from using them every year. The bomb squad, sheriff's department and other departments exploded a watermelon to show that fun can quickly turn into disaster.Hospitals often see a rise in the amount of people who've lost a hand or been disfigured around the Fourth of July. Officials say something as seemingly harmless as sparklers can burn so hot, they can catch clothing on fire.

Authorities also warned about the dangerous mix of fireworks, adult alcohol use during the holiday and children.