As the Fourth of July looms, police in New Jersey and the Office of the State Fire Marshal are spreading the word about the dangers of illegal fireworks.

The fire marshal?s office organized a demonstration Tuesday to show the bodily harm that could result from the improper handling of fireworks. A quarter stick of dynamite was used to blow up a watermelon as part of the presentation. After the fruit was completely destroyed, fire officials said replacing the fruit with a body part would have ?pretty much the same results.?

Officials warned that more common fireworks like sparklers and roman candles are also dangerous and should not be considered toys.

New Jersey law prohibits the use of fireworks. Police and state troopers have arrested 25 people and confiscated more than 3,100 pounds of fireworks as part of a campaign to keep explosives out of the state.

To see extended interviews on the fireworks safety, go to iO Extra on Channel 612