Blowing up a gingerbread house on Maryland's Eastern Shore landed a man in a sticky situation with the law.
Jerry Lee Heinefield, 36, of Rock Hall, faces one count each of reckless endangerment, possession of illegal fireworks and discharge of fireworks, according to the Maryland Fire Marshal's Office.
Investigators said Heinefield put illegal fireworks inside the little gingerbread house that was on the front porch of his home.
When the firework blew, a piece of it exploded and hit his wife's wrist. Catherine Heinefield, 33, was treated at Chester River Hospital in Chestertown for a puncture and burn to her wrist.
"Incidents of this type are a reminder of the potential hazards when using fireworks. These devices can be far too dangerous to use or experiment with," said State Fire Marshal William E. Barnard. "Lacerations, finger amputations, burns and eye injuries are a painful price to pay for a few minutes worth of excitement and pleasure."
