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

LAS VEGAS (July 5, 2025) — The American Red Cross of Southern Nevada responded to eight home fires on the Fourth of July and today, assisting 24 people and ensuring they had a safe place to stay. The fires occurred in Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson and Sloan, with fireworks suspected to have caused at least one of the home fires.

The Red Cross is providing displaced families with essentials such as temporary shelter, food, clothing and personal care items. “Our dedicated volunteers are offering emotional support and addressing emergency needs,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “In the coming days and weeks, our volunteer caseworkers will continue to help the families as they start to recover.”

Local Impact and Red Cross Response
In the first week of July last year, the Red Cross of Southern Nevada responded to 20 single-family home fires and seven multi-family home fires, assisting more than 125 people. This year, even before fireworks season began, the Red Cross has already responded to over 130 home fires, providing support to more than 575 Southern Nevada residents.

“With the hot, dry weather in Southern Nevada, using fireworks unsafely, or using illegal fireworks, can easily lead to devastating home fires,” said Flanigan. “We strongly encourage the safe use of ‘Safe and Sane’ fireworks legally sold in Clark County and urge residents to leave all other fireworks to the professionals.”

Fireworks Safety
Fireworks are unpredictable and can explode unexpectedly or veer off course. Even legal fireworks can pose significant risks. For children under 5 years old, sparklers account for more than half of all reported fireworks-related injuries nationwide. Sparklers burn at temperatures of 2,000 degrees.

In 2024, fireworks-related incidents resulted in 11 reported deaths nationwide, caused by misuse or device malfunctions. Additionally, over 14,700 people were injured by fireworks, with 1,700 of those injuries involving sparklers, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

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.

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.