CPSC Urges Fireworks Safety Ahead of July 4th Holiday
CPSC Estimate: 14,700 injuries, 11 Deaths in 2024
WASHINGTON, June 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As July 4th celebrations near, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging the public to prioritize fireworks safety. Mishandling fireworks can turn celebration into tragedy.
In 2024, there were 11 reported fireworks-related deaths, most involving misuse and device misfire/malfunctions. An estimated 14,700 people were injured by fireworks last year – a sharp increase of about 38% in deaths and about 52% in injuries respectively compared to 2023. There were an estimated 1,700 emergency room treated injuries in 2024 involving sparklers.
Adults ages 25 to 44 accounted for the largest share of reported injuries (32%), followed by people ages 15 to 24 (24%). The most frequently injured body parts were hands and fingers (36%) and head, face, and ears (22%). Burns were the most common injury, making up 37% of all emergency room visits.
"Behind these numbers are real people, real families — and often, preventable incidents," said CPSC Acting Chairman Peter Feldman. "Fireworks injuries don't just happen on the Fourth of July. We urge everyone to celebrate responsibly — because safety must always come first."
Stay Safe This Holiday: CPSC's Fireworks Safety Tips:
- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers.
Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals. - 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 (not professional) use.
- Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
- Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
- Follow all instructions and warnings on fireworks and never hold them in hand unless instructions specify to do so.
For more fireworks safety tips, visit Fireworks | CPSC.gov
View B-roll from CPSC's past fireworks demonstrations.
Note: Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic. Please visit www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for statements related to this or other topics.
About the U.S. CPSC
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. Since the CPSC was established more than 50 years ago, it has worked to ensure the safety of consumer products, which has contributed to a decline in injuries associated with these products.
Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC.
For lifesaving information:
- Visit CPSC.gov.
- Sign up to receive our e-mail alerts. - Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, BlueSky, Threads, LinkedIn and Truth Social.
- Report a dangerous product or a product-related injury on www.SaferProducts.gov.
- Call CPSC's Hotline at 800-638-2772 (TTY 800-638-8270).
- Contact a media specialist.
Release Number: 25-352
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SOURCE U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission