They arrive in tandem every summer as the Fourth of July approaches. Tents filled with colorfully packaged devices pop up in parking lots, and people injured by items that smoke, crackle and spark file into hospital emergency rooms.

Police departments and hospitals perennially issue cautions about the inherent dangers not only of illegal fireworks but also the items that are permitted in the state. Unfortunately, the warnings that send the loudest message are painful ones such as the case of a 9-year-old Belle Vernon boy who suffered serious injuries a week ago.

As police described the incident, an illegal firework exploded in his hand after he lit it. His father, Brandon C. Barcus Sr., faces charges of endangering the welfare of a child and reckless endangerment. Police said Mr. Barcus left two M-80s, two packs of conventional firecrackers and a lighter on a living room coffee table.

Southwest Regional Police Chief John Hartman recognized the danger posed by the fireworks in making the right call and filing charges. Let's hope others learn a valuable lesson from this incident.

When it comes to fireworks, though, it seems too many people turn a blind eye to the dangers. Even state law leaves room for skirting the rules.

According to state police, the only items that state residents over 18 can purchase are sparklers and novelties that pack tiny amounts of gunpowder. But even firecrackers, skyrockets, roman candles and M-80s can be sold here -- just not to Pennsylvania residents. Ohio has similar provisions that allow out-of-state residents to buy devices that Ohioans cannot.

In this way, the law is just too cute and, in effect, protects no one. Until statutes treat commercial fireworks for what they are -- explosives that can blind and maim, regardless of who purchases or handles them -- the toughest control will be the one that begins at home.