Honor the Wonder of the Fourth: Prevent Firework Mishaps

Anyone who has been lucky enough to experience the uniquely American phenomenon of the Fourth of July knows what the holiday entails: red, white, and blue decorations; feasts; parades; loved ones; and, of course, fireworks. The holiday culminates with fireworks shows that, when done properly, bring about wonder and joy that is shared across the country. The tradition of fireworks on the Fourth of July dates back to 1777, when the city of Philadelphia, PA, held the first Independence Day celebration in honor of the 1-year anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Although fireworks are an exciting addition to any celebration, over the years they have, unfortunately, also been the cause of many fires, injuries, and even deaths. According to the National Fire Protection Association, more than one-fourth (28 percent) of fires started by fireworks from 2014–2018 were reported on the Fourth of July. On average, fireworks caused about one-half (49 percent) of the fires reported on the Fourth of July during this time period.

Although it may be safer to enjoy fireworks operated by professionals, many revelers choose to purchase and set them off at private events instead. In recent years, as fireworks have increasingly been ignited on private property, more injuries have also been reported. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there was a 50 percent increase in deaths and injuries from firework related incidents in 2020, as compared with 2019. In 2020, at least 18 people reportedly died from firework related incidents, compared with 12 reported deaths in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic most likely played a part in this reported increase in injuries and deaths as people avoided crowded public gatherings and most large-scale events were canceled to help curb the spread of the virus.

Each year, fireworks injure thousands of people and cause thousands of fires. Although they may be legal to purchase and use on private property in many states across the country, caution should be used, as fireworks can cause serious injuries to the human body. Most firework-related injuries occur to the hands, fingers, head, face, eyes, and ears. Specific types of injuries include burn injuries to the feet from stepping on lit sparklers; burn injuries to the eyelids from holding hot, burned-out sparklers close to the face; burn injuries to the eyes when lighting fireworks and sparklers close to the face; and lacerations to the fingers, arms, and chest when firework shells explode in the hand.

It is important to note that individuals injured during fireworks-related events are not always the individuals using the fireworks. Often, those injured are just standing nearby. Fireworks are also connected to thousands of home, vehicle, and other types of fires each year.

To help ensure a fun, safe time is had by all during the upcoming Fourth of July celebrations (and on any other holidays where firework usage is common or considered a tradition), the safety tips on the next page from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission should be fully reviewed and observed. These tips cover how to properly light, store, use, and discard fireworks.

• NEVER use illegal fireworks or fireworks designed for professional or commercial use.
• NEVER allow children of any age to handle fireworks without an adult present.
• NEVER handle or use fireworks without protective eyewear and gloves. People standing nearby should also wear them.
• NEVER use fireworks while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• NEVER hold lighted fireworks in your hands or close to your face.
• NEVER use fireworks near other people, houses, cars, and flammable materials.
• NEVER point or throw fireworks at another person.
• NEVER light more than one firework at a time. After lighting a firework, immediately back up, keeping a safe distance from the lighted device.
• NEVER relight or attempt to handle malfunctioning fireworks.
• NEVER allow pets to interact with fireworks.
• ALWAYS light fireworks at arm’s length using a taper.
• ALWAYS soak both used and and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before throwing them away.
• ALWAYS follow the laws in your state pertaining to fireworks.