On the Fourth of July, the sky lights up with color, the crowd cheers and everything feels a little brighter. But sometimes, that picture-perfect moment takes a turn.
Each year, emergency departments across the country treat thousands of firework-related injuries, including burns, eye injuries and hand trauma — many of them preventable.
Before you strike a match or settle into your lawn chair, emergency medicine physician Jeremy Driscoll, MD, an independent member of the HonorHealth Medical Staff, shares expert firework safety tips to help avoid injury and keep your celebration on track.
What should you do when fireworks don’t go off?
“Fireworks that don’t light might seem harmless, but it can be one of the most dangerous situations people encounter,” says Dr. Driscoll. "A malfunctioning firework can still ignite, and if it does while you're leaning over it, the results can be catastrophic.”
Play it safe instead:
- Wait at least 20 minutes before approaching.
- Soak the firework thoroughly with water.
- Place it in a metal bucket filled with water overnight.
- Wrap it in wet newspaper before disposing of it.
The most important rule? Never try to relight, dismantle or “fix” a dud. It’s not worth the risk.
How to treat firework burns
Firework burns can happen in seconds. What you do next can make a big difference in healing.
- Hold the burn under running water for about 10 to 20 minutes. "Just use cool water. Not ice, not butter, not toothpaste. Those are myths, and some of them actually make things worse,” says Dr. Driscoll.
- Afterwards, cover the burn loosely with a clean bandage or plastic wrap. Keep the area clean and avoid popping any blisters.
Minor burns can be treated at an HonorHealth Urgent Care. If the burn is larger than a few inches, deep, or affects your hands or face, head to the emergency room or an HonorHealth Complete Care. “When in doubt, come in,” Dr. Driscoll advises. “Burns from fireworks tend to be more serious than they look.”
Are sparklers safe for children?
Sparklers seem kid-friendly until parents learn just how warm they get. According to Dr. Driscoll, “sparklers can burn at over 1200 degrees — hot enough to melt gold!"
That's warmer than most ovens and hot enough to cause a serious burn almost instantly.
Safer sparkler habits:
- Skip them for young children. Supervise older kids.
- Keep sparks pointed away from faces and bodies.
- Give everyone plenty of space.
- Drop used sparklers into a bucket of water immediately.
Safety tips for spectators
Prefer to just watch rather than participate? Consider these precautions if you’re headed to a community celebration or block party.
- Protect little ears: Loud booms can damage hearing, especially in children.
- Eyeball the exits: Identify meeting points and emergency services before the show starts.
- Give sparks some space: Stick to designated viewing areas.
- Heed the heat: Hydrate and watch for dizziness, nausea or fatigue. "If someone stops sweating and becomes confused, that's a heat emergency. Get them somewhere cool and call 911,” Dr. Driscoll advises.
When to seek care after a firework injury
Head to the nearest ER or an HonorHealth Urgent Care right away for:
- Burns larger than 2–3 inches, especially on the hands, face or genitals
- Blistering burns or burns with white or charred skin
- Eye injuries with pain, redness, light sensitivity or trouble opening the eye
- Serious hand or finger injuries with heavy bleeding, loss or possible broken bones
- Sudden hearing loss, ringing or muffled hearing after a loud explosion
- Trouble breathing or chest tightness from smoke or debris
- Signs of a blast injury, such as confusion, shock, or chest or abdominal pain
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Getting care quickly can help prevent complications and support smoother recovery.
Keep the memories bright
The Fourth of July should be remembered for backyard barbecues and dazzling light displays, not emergency room visits.
Respect the power of fireworks, keep a close eye on kids and stay mindful of your surroundings. With a few easy precautions, the only thing that will be unforgettable is the show itself.