The Fourth of July is a beloved summer holiday, often celebrated with backyard barbecues, family gatherings, and dazzling fireworks displays. While professional fireworks shows are the safest option, many Americans light fireworks at home instead—which poses significant risks.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fireworks caused over 31,000 fires and sent roughly 10,200 Americans to the emergency room in 2022. To ensure a safe and enjoyable celebration, follow proper safety measures and understand the risks when using fireworks at home.
Understanding the Risks of Home Fireworks
Home fireworks can pose serious dangers to both people and property. Understanding these risks is the first step in ensuring a safe celebration.
Common Fireworks-Related Injuries
Fireworks-related injuries often involve burns to the hands, face, and eyes. The National Safety Council recommends that the person lighting fireworks wears safety glasses because eye and face injuries are the most common. Children are particularly vulnerable to these injuries, so do not allow them to light fireworks.
Fire Hazards and Property Damage
Fireworks can ignite nearby structures, vehicles, or vegetation, leading to significant property damage. Stray sparks—or fireworks that people don’t dispose of correctly—can cause fires long after the celebration has ended. To minimize these risks, keep proper fire safety equipment on hand and follow a fire safety and prevention checklist before, during, and after your fireworks display. Learn how to properly dispose of fireworks by consulting your local waste organization.
Know Your Local Laws and Regulations on Fireworks Use
Before planning a home fireworks display, research and comply with local and state laws regarding fireworks use.
State-by-State Fireworks Regulations
Fireworks regulations vary nationwide. According to the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA), 49 states allow the sale and use of certain consumer fireworks types as of 2024, with only Massachusetts banning the sale and use of all consumer fireworks. However, most states impose restrictions on what types of fireworks consumers can purchase and use, so always check your state and local laws first.
Penalties for Illegal Fireworks Use
Using illegal fireworks or violating local regulations can result in hefty fines, confiscation of fireworks, and even criminal charges. Some areas may also hold individuals responsible for any damage or injuries caused by illegal fireworks.
Choosing the Right Fireworks for Home Use
Selecting appropriate fireworks can ensure a safe celebration and compliance with local laws.
Legal Consumer Fireworks
Consumer fireworks, formerly known as Class C fireworks, are designed for home use. According to the APA, the legal limit for explosive material in a consumer firework is 50 milligrams—about half the size of a common aspirin tablet. When purchasing fireworks, make sure they come from a licensed dealer and have proper warning labels.
Fireworks To Avoid
Avoid using illegal or homemade fireworks because they can be extremely dangerous and unpredictable. According to Fire Chief Kyle L. Lenn, the majority of accidents he has responded to in his home state of Nebraska weren’t caused by fireworks, but by illegal explosives that people made and treated like fireworks. Stick to legal, consumer-grade fireworks for your home celebration.
Preparing Your Space for Fireworks
You can take the following preventive measures to prepare your launch area for a safe fireworks display:
Select a Safe Launch Area
Choose a flat, level surface away from buildings, vehicles, and flammable materials. If you must use a grassy area, lay down a flat wooden board as a stable launch platform. Leave plenty of space for aerial fireworks to ascend and descend without hitting obstacles or spectators.
Set Up a Spectator Zone
Establish a clear spectator area at a safe distance from the launch site. The required distance varies depending on the type of fireworks you use. For example, spectators should be at least 30 feet from burning cones and fountains. Always check the labels for specific safety distance requirements for each firework.
Essential Safety Equipment for Home Fireworks
In addition to taking safety measures, keep the following safety equipment on hand to manage potential accidents and minimize risks when using fireworks:
Fire-Extinguishing Tools
Keep a garden hose and a bucket of water nearby. Use the hose to wet down the launch area before and after the display and to extinguish any small fires that occur. Soak used fireworks and duds in the bucket of water before disposal. You can also purchase fire extinguishers as an additional precaution.
Personal Protective Gear
The person lighting the fireworks should wear safety glasses to protect against eye injuries. We also recommend proper footwear and nonflammable clothing for added protection.
Step-by-Step Guide to Lighting Fireworks Safely
Consider these safety procedures when lighting fireworks to significantly reduce accident risks:
- Designating a shooter: Choose a responsible adult to be in charge of lighting the fireworks. This person should be sober and familiar with fireworks safety.
- Handling duds and misfires: If a firework doesn’t ignite, wait at least 20 minutes before approaching it. Then, soak it in a bucket of water overnight before discarding it. This ensures that any delayed ignitions won’t cause injuries or fires.
- Proper lighting techniques: When you light fireworks, keep your face and body away from the fuse. Use a multipurpose lighter rather than matches for better control. Once lit, quickly move a safe distance away from the launch area. Never attempt to relight a “dud” firework that fails to ignite the first time.
Protecting Children During Fireworks Displays
Children are particularly vulnerable to fireworks-related injuries, so keep an eye on them and make sure they understand fireworks safety.
Age-Appropriate Involvement
Keep children at a safe distance from the fireworks launch area. Young children should never handle fireworks, including sparklers, which can reach temperatures hot enough to cause severe burns.
Teaching Kids About Fireworks Safety
Educate children about the dangers of fireworks and the importance of following safety rules. Supervise them closely during the display and teach them that fireworks are not toys.
Emergency Preparedness and First Aid When Using Fireworks
Always have burn care supplies on hand when using fireworks and familiarize yourself with basic first aid for burns. For minor burns, run cool (not cold) water over the affected area for about 20 minutes as soon as possible. Do not use ice or any creams. Cover the burn with a clean, dry dressing.
For severe burns or injuries involving the eyes or face, seek immediate medical attention. If you’re unsure about the severity of an injury, consult a medical professional.
Proper Cleanup and Disposal of Fireworks
There are specific ways to dispose of used fireworks—and store any leftovers for the following year—to prevent delayed fires and injuries.
Safely Disposing of Used Fireworks
After your celebration, thoroughly soak all used fireworks in water before disposing of them. Lenn suggests using a hose to wet the ground where you lit fireworks to prevent small grass fires that can occur hours later.
Storing Unused Fireworks
If you have unused fireworks, store them in a cool, dry place away from flammable materials and out of reach of children. Never put unused fireworks in the trash or store them inside your home. Avoid storing them in a garage, shed, or other structure where they could be exposed to high heat or humidity.
Alternatives to Home Fireworks
Consider the following alternatives to home fireworks for a festive celebration without the risks:
Finding Professional Fireworks Displays
Attending a professional fireworks display is the safest way to enjoy fireworks. Check local event listings to find sanctioned fireworks shows in your area, where you can enjoy the spectacle without the risks associated with home use.
Safe Celebration Ideas
Glow sticks, silly string, and noisemakers can provide festive fun without the dangers of fireworks. Outdoor movie nights or patriotic-themed games are also great alternatives for your Fourth of July celebration.
Our Conclusion
Putting on a backyard fireworks display might be tempting, but it comes with many risks. You can launch your own fireworks safely by taking certain precautions and complying with local and state laws. But if you want to celebrate without the hassle of fireworks disposal or taking fire safety measures, you can also attend a professional fireworks show or plan other games and activities for your family gathering.
For more information about fireworks safety, visit the National Safety Council’s website. But given the risks involved with consumer fireworks, you might want to simply be a spectator this Fourth of July.
Kick back, stay safe, and let the professionals handle the thrilling explosions.