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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 2024 seasonal reporting period, 45 hospitals and facilities reported a total of 156 injuries. There was one fatality reported during the 2024 reporting period. Comparatively, 34 hospitals reported 108 injuries during the same period in 2023.
Healthcare facilities reported 98 persons having been injured by fireworks during the 2024 seasonal reporting period. Approximately 50% of all injured persons suffered multiple injuries. Of those injured, 76 are male and 19 are female. Over half of all injuries (51%) occurred to persons over 22 years of age. Children’s injuries in the 11-16 age group Increased (17) from the previous year of 6. Children’s injuries in the 0-6 age group also Increased (13) from the previous year of 2.
The reported injuries were related to a wide variety of fireworks with “Mortars” (36%) listed as the most frequent type of fireworks or pyrotechnic effect involved in injury. This was followed by Roman Candles (12%), Bottle Rockets (8%) and Sparklers (8%). The type of injuries reported were associated with various other effects including Salutes (7%), Smoke Bombs (6%) and Firecrackers (6%). The sale and use of Roman Candles, Firecrackers and Salute devices are prohibited in Illinois.
Over half of all injuries affected hands (29%), head/face (14%) and legs (13%). Second degree burns were the leading type of injury at 23% followed by first degree burns (18%). Lacerations accounted for 17% of the injuries and abrasions at 15%. Loss of sight increased to 11% from 6% in 2023.
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.
