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6 min read
Reviewed ByAlina BradfordFor over 12 years, SafeWise has conducted independent research and testing to write unbiased, human reviews (not robots). Read our methodology.
With over 9 years in journalism, John focuses on smart home tech, previously writing for ASecureLife and serving as Smart Home Editor at Top Ten Reviews. He’s tested hundreds of safety and security devices over the years.
With 20+ years in tech journalism, Alina blends safety expertise with her passion for simplifying technology. Alina has tested hundreds of safety and security devices, is trained as a first responder, and has worked as a volunteer firefighter.
Fireworks were invented over a thousand years ago in Liuyang, China to frighten away evil spirits. But the only thing that should scare you today is using fireworks irresponsibly.
To keep fireworks fun and safe, check out our list of 13 tips to ensure that everyone stays out of harm’s way when playing with pyrotechnics.
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You should only use fireworks outdoors (including handheld sparklers).
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Only use fireworks in open, flat, inflammable, and sturdy spaces. Some of this advice might seem obvious, but the statistics suggest otherwise.
According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fireworks started an estimated 31,302 fires in 2022. In 2020, around 100 fires were started with fireworks in just a few days in California. In Washington state alone, there were 427 reported fireworks-related fires in 2024.
If you’re going to set off legal fireworks, do it in a safe place.
How to choose a safe location for lighting fireworks:
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Use caution tape to create a lighting and launch zone away from spectators. Although consumer-grade fireworks are much smaller than the mortar shells used by professionals, they are still dangerous.
Phantom Fireworks, a popular fireworks manufacturer, recommends specific safety distances for ground- and air-based fireworks:
A windy day is a recipe for disaster when lighting fireworks. If it’s incredibly windy, postpone your fireworks show until the next day. Strong winds can push sparks out of your safety perimeter and into neighboring houses, buildings, trees, and grass, which can cause fires.
Gusts may also endanger you and your guests. They might send sparks toward you, or fireworks might tip over and launch in your direction.
You can still have your show if it’s slightly windy—just stand upwind and ensure nothing flammable is downwind.
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Keep water (or a fire extinguisher) nearby. If something goes wrong, you’ll want a hose or bucket of water close by to extinguish the blaze.
For something more portable and robust than a water bucket, consider keeping a fire extinguisher near your fireworks area.
[(length x width of object on fire) ÷ 3] x percent of involvement = gallons per minute to put out a fire
For example, if you have a 10’ x 15’ tool shed that ignites and 50% of it is on fire, you’ll need 25 gallons of water per minute (GPM) to put it out (garden hoses usually output up to 17 GPM).4 That might be shocking, but it demonstrates what you need to do to prepare for the worst and how quickly you should react to any fire.
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Light it, then get as far away as you can. Tragedies happen when people get too close to exploding fireworks. One of the more grizzly incidents happened in 2015 when a man died after using his head as a firework launch pad. Other accidental injuries involve burns, lacerations, and loss of limbs.
Over 14,000 trips to the ER in 2024 were due to fireworks, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. And 22% of the burns were to the head, face and ears areas. This means many people are too close for comfort when it comes to fireworks. Do yourself a favor and stay far away!
More fireworks aren't always better. Legal fuses must burn for at least three seconds,7 but that’s not a very long time on its own. If you’re lighting multiple fuses, you have an even smaller window to escape.
We mentioned that safe spectating distances for fireworks are anywhere from 35–150 feet, so you’ll need every second you can get.
Consider splurging on a single larger firework for your grand finale instead of trying to light tons of smaller fireworks in a short time.
Don't underestimate something as small as a sparkler when it comes to your children. Sparklers caused 1,700 of the reported emergency room-treated fireworks-related injuries in 2024, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Sparklers often burn at over 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit and can cause third-degree burns. To put that in perspective, glass melts at 900 degrees.
While they’re a fun staple for 4th of July picnics, Labor Day festivities, and other celebrations, make sure you’re around to supervise if your kids will be dancing around with these type of fireworks. Of course, keep them completely away from larger fireworks too.
Duds always pose a risk. Sometimes fireworks don’t go off. The important thing to know here is that you should never try to relight or approach a failed firework.
Let duds sit for 5–10 minutes before you put them in a bucket of water. This can prevent injury from a delayed explosion and disarm the firework permanently so you can dispose of it.
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Don’t buy illegal fireworks. Legal fireworks reach store shelves after rigorous safety checks by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
The CPSC forbids fireworks that don't meet stringent regulations:
Only buy your fireworks from licensed dealers and choose models that are approved by the CPSC. Illegal fireworks don't meet safety standards because they’re often too large for use.
Purchasing illegal fireworks can also land you with a ticket, jail time, or serious injury. And if you think the cops or neighbors won’t notice, it’s kind of hard to disguise a “boom” that big.
The CPSC requires proper labeling on all consumer-grade fireworks. You should avoid products that don't have any labels or written safety warnings on the packaging.
Not every state allows fireworks. Some restrict use to simple things like sparklers and firecrackers. Crossing state lines to bring them back to your home is also illegal. You can only set off state-approved fireworks within that state’s boundaries.
If you’re not sure about your state’s firework laws, you can find them in the American Pyrotechnics Association's state law directory.
Don't forget to check with local authorities as well since many cities and counties have additional rules, including maps where firework use is forbidden.
Don’t play with fireworks if you’re under the influence. Lighting an explosive when you don’t have your wits about you is dangerous. When you drink, you lose the ability to judge situations wisely. Your reaction time slows down and your coordination lessens.
Don’t put yourself in a position where you could endanger yourself or others. If you plan on drinking, don’t light off fireworks—simple as that.
If you can, attend a professional firework show instead of putting one on yourself. These shows use impressive pyrotechnics that you can’t buy in stores and are lightyears ahead of anything in your own show.
Professionals also know how to keep people safe and you won’t ever have to worry about sitting too close or getting a burn.
No matter what you decide to do, know the basics of firework safety. That way, nothing will get in the way of celebrating and you and your guests can remain safe. If you have your own tips about firework safety, please share with us in the comments section below.
For more information about fire safety inside your home, take a look at our review of the best smoke alarms.
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