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Fireworks Safety
The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) encourages everyone to let the professionals handle fireworks, it’s simply not worth the risk! Every year across the state accidental fires, burn injuries, loss of limbs and deaths occur due to the use of fireworks.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Fireworks started an estimated 12,264 fires in 2021, including 2,082 structure fires, 316 vehicle fires, and 9,866 outside and other fires. These fires caused 29 civilian injuries and $59 million in direct property damage. These fires are not only caused by commercial/consumer fireworks, but also by unregulated novelty fireworks that are sometimes purchased at local supermarkets.
In addition to fireworks, novelties such as sparklers, snappers, and poppers are very dangerous. Sparklers account for the greatest number of fireworks injuries, and often to the youngest victims. Sparklers burn in excess of 1200 degrees – hot enough to melt many metals and hot enough turn steel glowing red. An instantaneous touch of this will cause a burn and may result in permanent damage or scarring.
During the July 2023 seasonal reporting period, 34 hospitals and facilities reported a total of 108 injuries. There were no fatalities reported during the 2023 reporting period. Comparatively, 44 hospitals reported 168 injuries during the same period in 2022.
Approximately 1/4 of all injured persons suffered multiple injuries. Of those injured, 62 are male and 18 are female. Over half of all injuries (63%) occurred to persons over 22 years of age. Children’s injuries in the 11-16 age group decreased (8) from the previous year of 18.
The reported injuries were related to a wide variety of fireworks with “Mortars” (47%) listed as the most frequent type of fireworks or pyrotechnic effect involved in injury. This was followed by Roman Candles (13%), Firecrackers (11%), and Bottle Rockets (10%). The balance of injuries reported were associated with various other effects including Fountains (4%), M-80s (4%), Sparklers (4%), and Smoke Bombs (4%). (The sale and use of Roman Candles, Firecrackers and salute devices are prohibited in Illinois.)
Nearly 50% of all injuries affected hands (21%), torso (13%), and eyes (14%). Lacerations were the leading type of injury at 21% followed by second degree burns at 20%. Abrasions accounted for 15% of the injuries and first degree burns at 13%. Dismemberment/amputation injuries decreased to 10 as compared to 20 in 2022.
OSFM is aware of additional injuries that are not part of the statistics since they were not reported to OSFM by a healthcare provider. The OSFM encourages healthcare providers to participate in reporting injuries the entire year and forms can be found on our website by visit:
Many people enjoy the booming sounds and flashing colors of fireworks, but they can be terrifying, overwhelming and hazardous for both wild and domestic animals.
On the Fourth of July, many animals become so frightened by the noise and commotion of fireworks that they run from otherwise familiar environments and people, and sadly become lost. They may also suffer devastating or even fatal health effects from the stress. The sudden bright flashes and sounds can cause wild animals to run into roadways, resulting in more car accidents than normal. Wildlife rehabilitation centers are often flooded with traumatized, injured and orphaned wild animals after the holiday. Keep the tips listed below in mind to keep your furry family members safe and calm during the 4th of July.
