Each July Fourth, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using fireworks. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks of devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even death. On Independence Day in a typical year, more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for half of those fires.

In 2005, fireworks caused an estimated 1,800 total structure fires and 700 vehicle fires reported to fire departments.

• These 2,500 fires resulted in an estimated 60 civilian injuries and $39 million in direct property damage. There were no reported civilian deaths.

In 2006, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,200 people for fireworks related injuries.

• 49% of 2006 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 46% were to the head.
• 55% of the 2006 fireworks injuries were burns, while 30% were contusions and lacerations.
• One-third of the people injured by fireworks were under the age of 15.
• The risk of fireworks injury was two-and-a-half times as high for children ages 10-14 as for the general population.
• Sparklers, fountains, and novelties alone accounted for 28% of the emergency room fireworks injuries in 2006.

Safety Tips

• Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass.
• Always have a bucket of water and/or a fire extinguisher nearby.  Know how to operate the fire extinguisher properly.
• Do not wear loose clothing while using fireworks.
• Stand several feet away from lit fireworks.  If a devise does not go off, do not stand over it to investigate it.  Put it out with water and dispose of it.
• Always read the directions and warning labels on fireworks.  If a devise is not marked with the contents, direction and a warning label, do not light it.
• Supervise children around fireworks at all times.