Suffolk County officials are once again warning about  the dangers of  illegal fireworks ahead of the July 4 weekend, citing higher rates  of related injuries annually during the holiday.

"The best way to stay safe from fireworks is to not use them, instead attend public firework shows by professionals. We urge everyone to do their best to ensure we have a safe Independence Day," said Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services Commissioner Rudy Sunderman at a news conference Thursday.

Sunderman said 66% of firework-related injuries occur in the weeks leading up to July 4. He added  to say the Burn Center at Stony Brook University Hospital reported approximately 10 to 15 visits a year due to fireworks, including at least one fatality every five years.

To emphasize their point, officials set off fireworks inside an SUV at the Suffolk County Fire Academy during the news conference. The car burned for several minutes, with dark plumes of smoke permeating into the distance. 

About half the number of firework-related injuries require aggressive treatment or surgical intervention, according to Dr. Steven Sandoval, the medical director at the Burn Center. Burn care could cost up to $10,000 without insurance, he added.

Officials also warned against using sparklers, which are legal in New York. Even so, Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine urged people not to use them.

Sandoval said about 20% of firework-related injuries are from sparklers, which mostly involve children. Not a year has gone by without a sparkler injury, he said.

"This seems like a small number, but if it’s your kid, that number feels big," said Sandoval.

Unlawfully possessing, exploding, selling or furnishing fireworks is considered a criminal offense under New York law.

"We are cracking down on illegal fireworks. There’s a reason that they’re illegal ... they pose a danger to people who don’t know how to use them," said Romaine.

Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina said police will make arrests for illegal fireworks and was confident the district attorney would prosecute the cases.

Long Islanders can safely view fireworks over the holiday weekend at TD Bank’s Celebrate America at 9:30 p.m. on July 3 and Jones Beach State Park at 9:30 p.m. on July 4, as previously reported by Newsday.

Catalina also said there will be increased patrols on roadways and waterways during the holiday for DWI and BWI enforcement. He urged residents to have a designated driver or rideshare.

"It’s a wonderful holiday — one of the best holidays of the year, celebrating our independence. Don’t ruin it by injuring yourself or worse," said Catalina.