Celebrating at home with fireworks

This Fourth of July millions of Americans will celebrate Independence Day at home with the family favorite: fireworks.

The simple firecracker was invented by the Chinese in the hope that the noise would drive away evil spirits. Since then fireworks have evolved into many types for the spectator to enjoy. Among them are:

Sparklers: Hand-held firework that produces a shower of sparks from a burning tip.

Fountains: Stationary ground pieces that send showers of sparks up about 10 feet.

Ground Spinners: They spin on the ground, shooting out colored sparks and flames. In some, the flame changes color several times making it look like a flower.

Roman Candles: Single tubes placed in the ground propel balls of fire that can range from a single star to complex stars that flash and whistle. They can shoot up 15 to 50 feet.

Skyrockets: The largest of this type can be up to five feet long and can contain shells that explode high in the air.

More elaborate and expensive backyard fireworks include these that fill the sky. Only an experienced person should handle these:

Chrysanthemums: They create a perfecty round burst of color in the sky.

Crosettes: Produce an initial burst of stars. Each then splits into more stars, which last for three or four seconds.

Z-Cake: Send serial bursts resembling anti-aircraft fire into the sky. Overall effects linger for 30 seconds or more.

Whatever type of fireworks you are planning to enjoy, remember that all must be used safely, children should never use them alone, and some should only be ignited by a professional.