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Playing with Fire

  • Published
  • By Sandra Jackson
  • Staff Writer
Summer 2014 --  Nothing caps off a day of celebrating the new year or our nation's independence like a night of stunning pyrotechnics. And while public shows are offered nearly everywhere, many people like to create their own fireworks fun. It goes without saying that fireworks must be used safely and responsibly, but each year, nearly 10,000 Americans are injured by mishandling or misusing fireworks. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that an average of 200 people visit emergency rooms every day in the weeks approaching and following July 4 because of fireworks-related injuries. Most of these injuries are burns.

The National Fire Protection Association reports that in 2011, fireworks caused an estimated 17,800 reported fires, including 1,200 total structure fires, 400 vehicle fires, and 16,300 outside and other fires in the United States. Malfunctioning fireworks, homemade explosives, or banned items often result in unexpected flight paths and dangerous debris. Improper use, including igniting fireworks too close to someone, holding fireworks while lighting them, or playing with lit or used fireworks, is usually the cause of reported injuries.

No celebration should end with a trip to the hospital or a visit from the fire department, and correct and responsible handling of fireworks can help prevent a tragic end to a great day.

Check the Rules

Before you light that fuse, be sure you know your community's restrictions on fireworks. Some do not allow fireworks to be set off within certain areas--public parks, school grounds, undeveloped or overgrown areas, etc. Some states, towns, or even neighborhoods ban them altogether. An area may have temporary or seasonal restrictions in place due to local drought or high fire risk conditions. There may even be noise ordinances restricting fireworks. Not sure if you can light that rocket? It isn't difficult to find out. Restrictions are usually posted on municipal websites or in community newsletters, announced on local news, or distributed through other local media outlets. Local law and fire authorities also can provide information and guidance. Crossing state lines with fireworks may also be illegal in your area. Even if the neighboring state allows the sale of fireworks, your state may not permit ownership within state lines. Some states only allow novelty items, while some ban all categories of fireworks. If your community restricts the use of fireworks, do not break the laws--they will be enforced. Law enforcement agencies in states where fireworks are banned often crack down on illegal use in their jurisdictions by going after people who purchased the fireworks in a neighboring state and transported them into a state where the items are banned. Some police departments even stake out fireworks store parking lots, following buyers with out-of-state tags and arresting them on the other side of the line--or in the purchaser's home.

Fireworks: Not a DIY Project

In July 2013, a man in Ohio blew off his left hand and part of his right hand, suffered eye damage, and sustained burns all over his body while moving homemade fireworks into his truck. In November 2013, a Florida home was severely damaged when a cache of homemade fireworks exploded. Last year, the CPSC received reports of six men who were killed by professional-grade, homemade, or banned firework devices.

Never purchase fireworks from any source other than licensed distributors who are permitted to sell in your area, and never try to make them yourself. Local law enforcement are not the only authorities watching out for homemade or illegal explosives. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Fireworks, and Explosives; the Department of Transportation; and the Department of Justice are all collaborating to enforce federal safety standards. The agencies also solicit the assistance of the public, encouraging them to report the manufacture, possession, or sale of illegal fireworks to local law enforcement agencies or to the ATF hotline at (888) ATF-BOMB (1-888-283-2662).

Common Sense is the Best Safeguard

The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers basic safety tips for using consumer-grade fireworks:
  • Always purchase fireworks from a reliable source.
  • Use fireworks as directed on the consumer product safety label; never alter products.
  • Observe local laws and use good common sense.
  • Have a designated person (a responsible adult) organize and shoot your family show.
  • Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
  • Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
  • Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.
  • Always have water ready if you are shooting fireworks.
  • Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
  • Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
  • Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in an outdoor trash can.
  • Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.

Don't allow your family's holiday celebration to be memorable because of a fireworks disaster. Use common sense, and pay attention when handling explosives.


For more information on using fireworks safely, visit:
National Council on Fireworks Safety: www.fireworkssafety.org
Consumer Product Safety Commission, Fireworks Information Center: www.cpsc.gov/en/Safety-Education