This is the time of year when the night sky lights up with bursting fireworks and the glow of sparklers.
It’s also a time when holiday fun can send people to the emergency department with burns, hearing damage and potentially much worse, says Wendi Kobylarz, Tidelands Health emergency department director.
“Throughout most of the summer, someone is out there letting off fireworks somewhere,” Kobylarz says, “Though things certainly pick up around the Fourth of July.”
Whether people are setting off bottle rockets, Roman candles or other types of pyrotechnics, those who aren’t paying close attention and following safety guidelines can easily send themselves or someone else to the emergency department.
In 2024, there were 11 reported fireworks-related deaths, and an estimated 14,700 people were injured by fireworks, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Additionally, there were an estimated 1,700 emergency department-treated injuries in 2024 involving sparklers.
Most of those injuries happen in the weeks leading up to and after Independence Day. Hands and fingers were the body parts most often injured by fireworks, followed by the head, face and ears.
Adults ages 25 to 44 accounted for the largest share of reported injuries. Those stats are reflected in the patients who present at Tidelands Health emergency departments, Kobylarz says.
“In recent years, we’ve had some hand burns and some people who have complained of ringing ears from being too close to fireworks,“ Kobylarz says, “But we haven’t seen any serious limb injuries or anything life-threatening, fortunately.”
Sparklers, which are often given to children, are a common cause of burns, Kobylarz says. That’s because the popular hand-held display burns at about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.
“If children have sparklers, watch them – it’s still flame, it’s still hot,” Kobylarz says. “They can still get burned.”
The risk doesn’t end when the sparkler burns itself out, Kobylarz says. That’s because the sparkler stick can remain extremely hot. It’s best to douse the sparkler in water at the end to avoid potentially injuring yourself or someone else.
To stay safe around fireworks this year, follow these recommendations from the Consumer Product Safety Commission:
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks. Older children should use them only under close adult supervision.
- 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 use.
- Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
- Never try to relight 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.