COLUMBUS, Ohio - This Fourth of July weekend, an uptick in firework-related incidents has caused the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal to remind the public of the dangers behind handling fireworks.

According to a release, the Division's Fire and Explosion Investigations Bureau investigated more than 15 incidents related to fireworks that caused 31 injuries. On top of that, 24 more individuals across the state were treated for burns from fireworks.

This tops last years numbers of firework-related incidents which had 14 total with 28 injuries.

“Fireworks are not toys,” said State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon, “the injuries and damage we have seen this year are a sobering reminder of the stark dangers involved. We encourage everyone to leave fireworks to the professionals and celebrate safely.”

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine added to the matter, making sure the public understands that even though the Fourth of July is a festive holiday, it should be celebrated safely and with extreme caution.

“It’s critical that anyone setting off or handling fireworks use extreme caution in order to keep themselves and others safe. Ohioans must follow all fireworks laws, and as Fire Marshal Reardon reminds, never attempt to create homemade fireworks," said Governor DeWine.

An Ohio law states that Ohioans are allowed to set off 1.4G consumer fireworks from July 3 through July 5, along with weekends before and after. That is unless a local ordinance restricts use outside of the holiday weekend.