Fireworks Injuries in U.S. Increased by 52% in 2024

Fireworks injuries caused 14,700 people in the U.S. to seek treatment in emergency rooms last year, a whopping 52% increase from 9,700 in 2023, according to data released this week by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

The CPSC said burns were the most common type of injury in 2024, accounting for 37% of emergency room visits. The most frequently injured body parts were hands and fingers (36% of injuries) and the head, face, and ears (22%).

In addition to causing bodily injuries, fireworks start thousands of fires in the U.S. every year. In 2022, fireworks were responsible for more than 31,000 fires across the country, including 3,504 structure fires, 887 vehicle fires, 26,492 outside fires, and 418 unclassified fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. These fires caused an estimated six deaths, 44 injuries, and $109 million in property damage.

Safety experts say the best way to enjoy fireworks is to leave them to professionals. Many communities across Arkansas are planning professional displays in celebration of the Fourth of July this year, offering a safe alternative to using fireworks at home.

Nevertheless, Arkansas allows the sale of fireworks to individuals at certain times of the year — and a new law allowed those sales to begin earlier than usual this year. Under Act 108 of 2025, sellers could begin offering fireworks on June 13, a week earlier than the former start date of June 20. Sales must end July 10; the only other time fireworks may be sold in the state is between Dec. 10 and Jan. 5.

If you decide to use fireworks this year, in a place where they are permitted, please follow these tips from the National Safety Council:

• Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
• Older children should use them only under close adult supervision.
• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.
• Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands.
• Never light them indoors.
• Only use them away from people, houses, and flammable material.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.
• Never ignite devices in a container.
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
• Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire.
• Never use illegal fireworks.

Keep in mind that many municipalities have restrictions or outright bans on fireworks. Contact police or city hall if you are not sure what is allowed where you live.