Many Americans celebrate the Fourth of July with family, friends, food — and fireworks. But without proper precautions, even sparklers can lead to injuries, fires, and property damage.
According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 11 fireworks-related deaths in 2024, and over 14,700 injuries — increases of 38% and 52%, respectively, over 2023. Nearly 400 victims lose their sight in one or both eyes each year, and 400 more suffer amputations of a hand or a finger.
Additionally, fireworks cause an average of 19,500 fires annually and at least $109 million in property damage.
Nearly half of injuries are burns involving the head and hands — typically from a misguided rocket striking a bystander, a fast-burning fuse causing a premature detonation, or a late explosion that occurs while the victim is checking or relighting a “dud.”
A variety of consumer fireworks are legal in 49 states to purchasers 18 or older; only Massachusetts has a complete fireworks ban. New York is among 17 states that allow just one category of consumer fireworks: nonaerial and nonexplosive sparkling devices — ground-bound fireworks that emit showers of colored sparks, smoke, or flame, and produce crackling or whistling noises. Popular examples include cone fountains, smoke bombs, snakes, party poppers, and of course, sparklers. A dozen New York counties, including Columbia, opted to prohibit the sale and use of all fireworks; sparkling devices remain legal in Dutchess.
Illinois and New York are the only two states banning metal sparklers: They can reach temperatures as high as 2,000 degrees — as hot as a propane blow torch, and almost twice as hot as legal sparklers made with wooden dowels. Even so, sparklers still account for nearly 25% of all fireworks-related injuries.
State law allows licensed pyrotechnicians to handle fireworks that launch into the air and explode overhead, such as skyrockets, Roman candles, firecrackers, and spinners.
Possession of illegal fireworks worth less than $50 in New York carries a fine of up to $250; possession of devices valued at more than $50 is a misdemeanor, with a maximum fine of $500 and up to 15 days in jail.
Health and safety organizations such as the National Safety Council and the National Fire Protection Association advise against home fireworks and recommend alternatives, like attending public pyrotechnics displays operated by certified professionals. For those that choose to use sparkling devices, safety precautions are crucial:
- Use fireworks in an open outdoor area and keep a safe distance — at least 35 feet away.
- If you’re impaired by drugs or alcohol, don’t use fireworks.
- Never allow children to handle fireworks.
- Wear protective eyewear, like safety goggles.
- Never point or throw fireworks toward a person or home.
- Never ignite devices in a container; it may create dangerous shrapnel.
- Never lean over the firework’s fuse — you may get burned by sparks.
- Light one device at a time, and move away quickly.
- Don’t attempt to relight a dud.
- Have a bucket of water, fire extinguisher, or garden hose nearby.
- Soak all spent fireworks in water before discarding them.
- Consider using safer alternatives, such as glow sticks.
Fireworks-related injuries like burns and bleeding wounds are an emergency: Go to the nearest hospital immediately.
There will be a free professional pyrotechnic show at Waryas Park in Poughkeepsie at 9 p.m. on Friday, July 4. Tickets can be purchased here for an improved vantage point at Walkway over the Hudson. Germantown is hosting its annual fireworks spectacle from 4 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 5. More information can be found here.
Dr. Mary Jenkins, a contributor to the Herald and member of its board of directors, retired after nearly 40 years as a family practice physician in New York state.