Queenslanders who illegally dabble with fireworks risk severing their fingers and even losing their heads, authorities warn.
People other than licensed firework operators have been banned from buying, carrying and setting off fireworks since 1972 in Queensland.
This is because fireworks are dangerous explosives that can kill and cause serious injuries, the state's acting chief explosives inspector Noel Erichsen warns.
He says people don't understand the energy, speed and heat that fireworks generate.
"If you get hit in the eye, you're likely to lose an eye. If you have your hand wrapped around the cracker, you're likely to have fingers blown off," he said.
"(Injuries) can be quite horrific. There have been cases of people being hit in the head by large, say three or four-inch, aerial shells.
"Basically that'll take your head off. So don't muck around with them. Leave it to the professionals. They know what they are doing."
About 300 people in Queensland have been prosecuted for fireworks offences in the past two years, Mines Minister Andrew Cripps says.
However, none of those cases involved serious injuries.
People face fines of up to $45,540 or six months in jail for fireworks offences.
The RSPCA is also asking pet owners to keep dogs, cats and other pets inside or safely tied up ahead of the fireworks display.
"Often they will panic and end up on the road where of course they run the risk of being hit by cars," RSPCA Qld spokesman Michael Beatty said.
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