Fireworks add excitement and beauty to holidays and celebrations—but they also come with serious risks when not used properly. Whether you're lighting a sparkler or enjoying a backyard display, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Follow these essential tips to help protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property.
Know the Laws Before You Light Up
Fireworks are legal for purchase and transport in unincorporated areas of Texas. Planning to celebrate within city limits? Skip the hassle and enjoy professional firework shows—they’re safer and come with zero cleanup.
Before You Use Fireworks
- Choose a safe location: Only use fireworks in wide, open spaces away from buildings, dry grass, trees, and flammable materials.
- Supervise closely: Fireworks should be handled only by responsible adults—never children.
- Prepare for emergencies: Have a bucket of water, garden hose, or fire extinguisher nearby just in case.
While Using Fireworks
- Avoid brown-paper fireworks: These are often made for professional displays and can be too powerful for consumer use.
- Keep a safe distance: Never place any part of your body over a firework when lighting it. Light and step back immediately.
- One at a time: Light only one firework at a time, and never attempt to relight duds.
- No aiming or throwing: Never point or throw fireworks at people, animals, or property.
- Avoid unsafe containers: Never ignite fireworks in metal or glass containers, and never carry them in your pocket.
After the Show
- Soak and dispose: Once used, place fireworks in a bucket of water before tossing them in the trash.
- Clean up thoroughly: Inspect the area for unlit fireworks or debris, especially around kids and pets.
Additional Safety Tips
- Protect your pets: Fireworks frighten animals. Keep them indoors with calming sounds like music or TV.
- Wear safety gear: Use ear protection for loud displays and eye protection if you're lighting fireworks yourself.
Fireworks Fire & Injury Statistics
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):
- In 2022, fireworks caused over 31,000 fires, resulting in:
- 3,500+ structure fires
- 887 vehicle fires
- 26,000+ outdoor fires
- \$109 million in direct property damage
- Emergency rooms treated an estimated 10,200 fireworks-related injuries:
- 29% to hands/fingers
- 19% to legs
- 35% to the head, face, or eyes
- Children under 15 accounted for 28% of these injuries.
Final Reminder
Fireworks can cause severe injuries, including burns, blindness, and hearing loss. Make safety your top priority so that everyone can enjoy a fun, festive, and accident-free celebration.
Lastly, celebratory gunfire is always illegal in Texas cities with a population greater than 100,000. The crime of illegal discharge of a firearm within city limits is a misdemeanor punishable by as much as $4,000 in fines and one year in jail. Firing a celebratory bullet that harms another person could lead to a felony charge of deadly conduct, punishable by a prison sentence of 2 to 10 years.
For more firework safety tips and stats, visit the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) website.