The Fourth of July is right around the corner ─ a day synonymous with summer fun and, most of all, fireworks. While fireworks are beautiful and impressive, lighting up the sky and drawing plenty of “oohs” and “aahs,” they also come with real safety risks. The American Red Cross offers important tips to help you enjoy fireworks and have a fun, safe Independence Day celebration.

SERIOUS INJURIES Fireworks hurt thousands of people annually, with many injuries serious enough to require medical care. Children and young adults make up a significant portion of those who are hurt.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports as many as 14,700 people were injured by fireworks in 2024. Sadly, there were also 11 people who died in fireworks-related incidents. Burns were the most common injury.

WATCH OUT FOR SPARKLERS Most injuries from fireworks happen when people try to use professional-grade, homemade or other illegal fireworks or explosives. However, even sparklers can cause significant injuries.

Everywhere you look around the 4^th of July you can see young children waving sparklers. But did you know they burn hot enough to melt some metals? They can set clothing on fire and children have been burned severely by dropping sparklers on their leg or foot. Consider celebrating with glow sticks, noise makers or silly string instead.

FIREWORKS AND WILDFIRES Every year, fireworks are responsible for tens of thousands of fires across the country, especially in areas where wildfire risks exist ─ dry vegetation, low humidity, windy days. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fireworks started more than 32,000 fires in 2023, including more than 27,000 “outside” fires as well as structure and vehicle fires. And to no surprise, July 4^th sees twice as many fires as on other days with stray sparks causing nearby dry vegetation to burn.

LEAVE IT TO THE PROS Even organized fireworks shows can be a wildfire threat, but the majority of injuries and fires attributed to fireworks are caused by individuals who attempt to light them on their own. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public fireworks show put on by professionals.

If you choose to set fireworks off at home, follow these safety steps:

1. Have a bucket of water, garden hose or fire extinguisher handy. Consider wetting down the surrounding grass and other vegetation before lighting your fireworks.
2. Don’t light fireworks on windy nights.
3. Douse used fireworks with water to make sure they are completely extinguished
4. Never give fireworks to small children.
5. Never let children use fireworks, sparklers or firecrackers unsupervised.
6. Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
7. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
8. Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
9. Light only one firework at a time.
10. Never attempt to relight "a dud."
11. Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
12. Never use fireworks around pets, keep pets indoors. Exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns or trauma, and many pets are also fearful of loud noises and can become lost, scared or disoriented.