Back in the day, our backyard fireworks displays were simple affairs: a few bottle rockets, sparklers and smoke bombs. Growing up, we couldn’t buy them in Ohio, and even if we could, the cost exceeded our teenage budgets.
Within the past few years, fireworks have become legal in Ohio on certain days (although some communities still ban their use). That means the Fourth of July has gotten noisier and potentially more dangerous.
In 2024, there were 11 reported fireworks-related deaths, most involving misuse and device misfire/malfunctions. An estimated 14,700 people were injured by fireworks last year—a sharp increase of about 38% in deaths and about 52% in injuries, respectively, compared to 2023. There were an estimated 1,700 emergency room-treated injuries in 2024 involving sparklers, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Adults ages 25 to 44 accounted for the largest share of reported injuries (32%), followed by people ages 15 to 24 (24%). The most frequently injured body parts were hands and fingers (36%), and head, face and ears (22%). Burns were the most common injury, making up 37% of all emergency room visits.
Stay Safe This Holiday with CPSC’s Fireworks Safety Tips:
- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap.
- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area, and only purchase and set off fireworks that are labeled for consumer (not professional) use.
- Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
- Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
- Follow all instructions and warnings on fireworks and never hold them in your hand unless instructions specify to do so.
As an aside, one of the country’s oldest fireworks companies is right here in Northeast Ohio. The Hudson-based American Fireworks opened in 1902 and is run by the seventh generation of the original founding family.
