Fireworks Injuries on the Rise: Celebrate Fourth of July Responsibly to Protect Yourself and Your Family

Fireworks remain a highlight of Fourth of July festivities, but they also pose serious risks of injury, property damage, and wildfire. In fact, thousands of Americans will be injured in preventable accidents, and understanding safety precautions is more important than ever.

An estimated 9,700 Americans were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries in 2023, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. These injuries include burns, lacerations, and more severe trauma, with at least eight fatalities reported nationwide — five of which were due to fireworks misuse.

Alarmingly, children under 15 accounted for 31% of injuries, and teens ages 15–19 had the highest rate of emergency department visits. The most common injuries were to the hands and fingers (35%) and the head, face, and ears (22%), with burns making up about 42% of all injuries. In Kern County, where drought conditions persist, the risk of accidental wildfires from fireworks is also especially high.

“Fireworks are not toys. Every year, we see devastating injuries that could have been avoided with caution and common sense,” said Matt Clark, managing partner and attorney at the Law Office of Chain | Cohn | Clark. “As fireworks light up the sky this July, remember that safety is everyone’s responsibility. By following expert guidelines and choosing professional displays over home use, you can help prevent injuries, protect property, and reduce the risk of wildfires.”

To help keep celebrations safe, safety experts recommend the following precautions:

• Leave Fireworks to the Professionals: Attend public fireworks displays rather than lighting fireworks at home.
• Know the Law: In California, it is illegal to sell, possess, or use fireworks that do not have the “Safe and Sane” seal. Many communities ban all consumer fireworks—check local ordinances before purchasing or using them.
• Supervise Children Closely: Never allow children to handle fireworks. Even sparklers burn at extremely high temperatures and can cause serious burns or injuries.
• Use Only State Fire Marshal-Approved Fireworks: Always verify that fireworks are legal and approved for use in your area.
• Light Fireworks Outdoors Only: Choose a clear, open area away from dry grass, brush, or other flammable materials.
• Keep Water Nearby: Have a bucket of water and a hose ready in case of fire or to fully extinguish spent fireworks.
• Light One Firework at a Time: Never attempt to relight or fix malfunctioning fireworks.
• Wear Protective Clothing: Avoid loose clothing and keep a safe distance after lighting.
• Dispose of Fireworks Safely: Submerge used fireworks in water before discarding them to prevent trash fires.
• Be Mindful of Others: Fireworks can be distressing for individuals with PTSD and disruptive to pets and wildlife.

Chain | Cohn | Clark has represented clients injured in fireworks-related accidents, including severe burns, eye injuries, and hearing loss. These cases often involve negligence—such as improper use of fireworks, failure to supervise children, or use of illegal or defective products. The firm’s experience underscores the importance of following safety guidelines and holding negligent parties accountable when preventable injuries occur.

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If you or someone you know is injured in an accident at the fault of someone else, or injured on the job no matter whose fault it is, contact the attorneys at Chain | Cohn | Clark by calling (661) 323-4000, or fill out a free consultation form, text, or chat with us at chainlaw.com.