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

LAS VEGAS (June 28, 2026) — With Fourth of July fireworks sales beginning today in Las Vegas, the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada is urging residents to celebrate safely and take simple steps to help prevent fires and injuries.

Fireworks remain a popular part of holiday celebrations, but they are also responsible for thousands of injuries and fires each year across the country. The Red Cross is encouraging families to understand the risks, follow local laws and take simple steps to protect themselves, their loved ones and their homes.

“In every community, we see how quickly a celebration can turn into an emergency when fireworks are not used carefully,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “We want families to enjoy the holiday, but we also want them to stay safe. A few basic precautions can make a major difference.”

In Las Vegas and across Clark County, residents may buy “Safe and Sane” fireworks from June 28 through July 4 and use them only during that same period. These include sparklers, fountains and other ground-based fireworks that do not explode or fly. Fireworks should be used only on private property and never on streets, in parks, on school property or on public land.

Fireworks Can Cause Serious Injuries and Fires
In 2025, fireworks-related incidents caused 15 deaths nationwide and injured more than 13,000 people. Of those injuries, 1,300 involved sparklers. Sparklers burn at approximately 2,000 degrees and account for more than half of reported fireworks injuries among children under 5.

Fireworks also are linked to nearly 20,000 fires each year in the United States. Locally, the Red Cross of Southern Nevada responded to 14 home fires during the first week of July last year, helping more than 45 people. This year, even before the Fourth of July holiday, the Red Cross has already responded to more than 130 home fires, helping more than 500 people in Southern Nevada.

Fireworks Safety Tips from the Red Cross
The Red Cross encourages residents to follow these safety steps:

1. Know which fireworks are legal where you live before buying or using them.
2. Never use professional-grade fireworks.
3. Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby.
4. Never allow young children to handle or light fireworks, including sparklers.
5. Do not try to relight fireworks that do not go off.
6. Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
7. Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
8. Always supervise children around sparklers.
9. Soak used and unused fireworks in water for several hours before throwing them away.
10. The safest choice is to leave fireworks to the professionals and enjoy a public fireworks display.

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.