Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680

What:   Live fireworks fire hazards & safety demo
When:  Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 10 a.m.
Where: Salt Lake City Fire Training Center, 1600 S. Industrial Rd.

SALT LAKE CITY (June 23, 2025) — The Red Cross of Utah is partnering with Salt Lake City Fire on Thursday, June 26, at 10 a.m., to demonstrate the dangers that can accompany fireworks and provide fire safety advice to help prevent holiday disasters this Fourth of July. The event will feature live fireworks and a mannequin to vividly demonstrate the potential injuries caused by mishandling fireworks, emphasizing the importance of proper safety precautions.

“Every year, despite repeated warnings, fireworks cause serious injuries and devastating fires in our community and across the country,” said Salt Lake City Fire Chief Karl Lieb. “Our goal is to educate the public about the risks, especially the severe accidents that can result from using illegal fireworks, and to encourage safer alternatives.”

Fireworks are responsible for nearly 20,000 fires annually nationwide, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. In July alone, more than 10,000 people suffer fireworks-related injuries severe enough to require emergency room treatment.

Even legal fireworks can pose significant risks. “For children under 5 years old, sparklers account for more than half of all reported injuries nationwide,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “Sparklers can burn at temperatures of 2,000 degrees, hot enough to melt some metals.”

Fireworks are unpredictable and can explode unexpectedly or veer off course, Chief Lieb added. “We’ve seen fireworks cause devastating home fires and life-altering injuries. We strongly urge everyone to leave fireworks to the professionals and enjoy one of the many free public displays in Utah.”

Top Ten Fireworks Safety Tips

1. Know which fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
2. Never use professional-grade fireworks.
3. Keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby in case of fire or accidents.
4. Never allow young children to handle or ignite fireworks, including sparklers.
5. Do not attempt to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them in water and dispose of them safely.
6. Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
7. Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone.
8. Always supervise children when they are using sparklers.
9. Consider safe alternatives to fireworks, such as party poppers, bubbles, silly string or glow sticks.
10. Soak both used and unused fireworks in water for several hours before discarding them.

Empowering Communities with Fire Safety
This year, even before fireworks season, the Red Cross of Utah has responded to more than 60 home fires, assisting over 250 people in need. “Salt Lake City firefighters are always ready to respond, and so is the Red Cross,” Lafranca said. “But by educating residents about the risks of fireworks, we hope to prevent those emergency calls this Fourth of July.”

The Red Cross of Utah works year-round with fire departments and community partners to reduce home fire risks. Through the Home Fire Campaign, the Red Cross offers free smoke alarm installations and fire safety education. Last year, volunteers installed more than 1,250 free smoke alarms across the state and provided families with essential fire safety knowledge.

“We’re not just installing smoke alarms; we’re giving families the tools and information they need to escape safely during a fire,” Lafranca said. “Many people don’t realize they have only about two minutes to escape a home fire, or that smoke alarms need to be replaced every 10 years.”

Residents can schedule free smoke alarm installations and fire safety consultations at SoundTheAlarm.org/Utah. During these visits, Red Cross volunteers and community partners provide personalized advice on fire prevention, evacuation plans and creating emergency plans that include all household members, including pets.

Home Fire Campaign Saves Lives
Since 2014, the Red Cross has partnered with communities to save nearly 2,400 lives nationwide by educating families about fire safety, helping them create escape plans and installing free smoke alarms. To learn more about the campaign or to get involved, visit redcross.org/homefires.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.