Fireworks are a staple for the 4th of July holiday, but fireworks are extremely dangerous Any time of year.
Prior to purchase or use of fireworks, be familiar with your state’s laws regarding them; it may be illegal for you to obtain and use fireworks. The American Pyrotechnics Association website outlines state regulations for fireworks.
In 2025, there were 15 reported fireworks-related deaths, and an estimated 13,000 people were injured by fireworks last year. There were an estimated 1,300 emergency room-treated injuries in 2025 involving sparklers. Not only do fireworks cause injury, but on average start 31,000 fires each year.
If you choose to celebrate this summer with fireworks, it is important to remember:
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks
- Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
- Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
- Never light them indoors
- Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person
- Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
- Never ignite devices in a container
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
- Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire
- Never use illegal fireworks