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As Independence Day approaches, the familiar crackle of fireworks will return to neighborhoods across the country. While fireworks may be part of the tradition, their use continues to pose serious safety risks and costly damage. Factors such as malfunction, misuse, or noncompliant devices can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.
According to the CPSC, there were an estimated 9,700 non-occupational, fireworks-related injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments in 2023. Approximately 66% of which occurred in the one-month period between June 16 and July 16, underscoring the importance of safe practices while using fireworks.
The report also documented 8 confirmed fireworks-related deaths. Five fatalities were linked to user error, two to device malfunction or misfire, and the remaining fatality was related to an unknown cause. In many of these fatal cases, the fireworks were improperly handled, used while intoxicated, or malfunctioned in close proximity to the user.
Who is Getting Hurt?
In 2023, firecrackers were the most commonly identified device involved in injuries, accounting for approximately 12% of all reported incidents. Sparklers, often perceived as safe, were involved in approximately 12% of injuries, particularly dangerous due to their extreme heat. A small but significant portion, around 2%, was linked to illegal firecrackers, such as M-80s or quarter sticks, which are banned under federal regulations due to their excessive explosive content. Other identified devices included rockets (8%).
Notably, over 46% of reported injuries involved unknown types of fireworks. This lack of clarity often stems from poor consumer awareness, unclear labeling, or chaotic incident conditions. In cases where the type of firework device is unknown, our engineers rely on scene analysis, injury pattern modeling, and chemical residue testing to reconstruct the event and identify the likely type of firework involved.
Understanding what devices are in use and how they are utilized is crucial in determining the cause of an issue, assessing product failure, or identifying misuse. This type of forensic clarity can be essential in legal proceedings and insurance investigations. CED’s expertise helps bridge the gap between unclear injury reports and actionable technical conclusions.
What are the Types of Injuries Reported?
Injury data from the CPSC highlights that the most commonly affected body part in 2023 was the hand and fingers, accounting for 35% of all emergency department-treated injuries. This was followed by injuries to the head, face, and ear region (22%) and eyes (19%). These areas are typically exposed during close-range ignition or accidental discharge, providing critical clues during post-incident analysis.
In terms of injury type, burns were the most frequent diagnosis, accounting for 42% of all injuries, particularly in incidents involving sparklers and handheld devices. Lacerations, abrasions, and contusions accounted for another 22%, most commonly resulting from blast force or flying debris. Fractures and internal injuries (6%) were more frequently observed in misfires or when devices tipped over during launch.
At CED Technologies, these injury patterns are often the first indicators of how an incident occurred. Understanding the medical outcome is a crucial part of the forensic process. CED combines injury reports with mechanical failure analysis and scene reconstruction to deliver a full picture of cause and effect, which can be pivotal in insurance claims, litigation, and product liability assessments.
Engineering Failures and Enforcement Trends
One of the most concerning findings from the CPSC’s report is that 18% of fireworks tested were noncompliant with federal safety regulations. Violations ranged from illegal chemical composition to fuse failure and pyrotechnic overloads.
From a forensic engineering perspective, these findings align with cases that CED Technologies investigates, involving device malfunctions, instability in consumer-grade mortars, and poor fuse integrity. Users often overlook these mechanical and chemical failures, but they can have life-threatening consequences.
Steps for Prevention
- Only Use Legal, Labeled Fireworks
Make sure the fireworks you are using are approved for consumer use and comply with federal and local regulations. Avoid using unlabeled or modified devices, as they are more prone to malfunction and injury. - Adhere to Manufacturer Guidelines
Read the manufacturer's guidelines carefully. Often, misuse originates from a misunderstanding of how a device is meant to be ignited, positioned, or handled. - Never Hold Fireworks in Your Hand
A large portion of injuries involve people holding fireworks. Set devices on a flat, stable surface and back away after lighting. - Use a Clear, Open Area
Keep a wide perimeter clear of people, pets, dry grass, and flammable materials. Ensure aerial devices have plenty of vertical clearance away from trees, structures, and power lines. - Secure Launch Devices
Many serious injuries occur when launch tubes tip over or shift after ignition. Use a weighted base to secure mortars or other launch tubes. - Keep a Safe Distance and Be Alert
Spectators should stand at least 25 to 50 feet away from fireworks. Operators and spectators should never turn their backs on a lit device and should avoid crowding the area near the launch. - Submerge Spent Devices with Water
Even after they appear finished, fireworks can reignite or retain heat. Soak all used or malfunctioning devices in water before disposing of them. - Keep a First Aid Kit Nearby
Keep a first aid kit equipped with burn gel, non-stick gauze pads, instant cold packs, antiseptic wipes, an eye wash, and gloves nearby in the area. If the fireworks are viewed in large groups, you might also consider assigning a trained person (even an individual with basic First Aid/CPR certification) to oversee emergency readiness. - Never Relight a Dud
If a firework fails to go off, do not attempt to relight it. Wait 15–20 minutes and soak it in water before handling. - Supervise Children Closely
Children should never ignite fireworks or handle sparklers without adult supervision. Even “safe” devices can burn hot enough to cause serious injury. - Avoid Alcohol While Handling Fireworks
Many incidents involve impaired judgment. Save alcohol for after the display, not during setup or lighting.
Engineering Safer Celebrations
Current trends in firework injuries underscore the need for education, regulation, and enforcement. Even legal fireworks carry risk, especially reloadable mortars and handheld sparklers. User behavior, like alcohol use, improper handling, and unsafe setups, is a significant factor in injuries and fatalities. Fireworks may be marketed as safe when used properly, but the reality is that failure in design, misuse, or malfunction can lead to catastrophic injury.
At CED Technologies, our engineers possess the expertise to understand how these events unfold and can provide a clear and accurate analysis of such cases.
As we head into peak fireworks season, we encourage our clients, partners, and communities to treat these devices with caution and always prioritize safety before celebrating.
