Fireworks Safety

The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) encourages everyone to let the professionals handle fireworks, it’s simply not worth the risk! Every year across the state accidental fires, burn injuries, loss of limbs and deaths occur due to the use of fireworks.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) fireworks started an estimated 32,302 fires in 2023, including 3,760 structure fires, 849 vehicle fires, 27,252 outside fires, and 441 unclassified fires. These fires caused an estimated 15 civilian deaths, 58 civilian injuries and $142 million in direct property damage. These fires are not only caused by commercial/consumer fireworks, but also by unregulated novelty fireworks that are sometimes purchased at local supermarkets.

In addition to fireworks, novelties such as sparklers, snappers, and poppers are very dangerous. Sparklers account for the greatest number of fireworks injuries, and often to the youngest victims. Sparklers burn in excess of 1200 degrees – hot enough to melt many metals and hot enough turn steel glowing red.  An instantaneous touch of this will cause a burn and may result in permanent damage or scarring.

During the July seasonal reporting period, 44 hospitals and facilities reported a total of 152 injuries. There were no fatalities reported during the 2025 reporting period. Healthcare facilities reported 101 persons having been injured by fireworks during the 2025 seasonal reporting period. Approximately 50% of all injured persons suffered multiple injuries.

Healthcare facilities reported 98 persons having been injured by fireworks during the 2024 seasonal reporting period. Approximately 50% of all injured persons suffered multiple injuries. Of those injured, 76 are male and 19 are female. Over half of all injuries (51%) occurred to persons over 22 years of age. Children’s injuries in the 11-16 age group Increased (17) from the previous year of 6. Children’s injuries in the 0-6 age group also Increased (13) from the previous year of 2.

The reported injuries were related to a wide variety of fireworks with “Mortars” (35%) listed as the most frequent type of fireworks or pyrotechnic effect involved in injury. This was followed by Roman Candles (14%), Sparklers (10%) and Bottle Rockets (7%). The type of injuries reported were associated with various other effects including Salutes (4%) and Firecrackers (4%). Nearly half of all injuries affected hands (20%), fingers (15%), and head/face (13%). Second degree burns were the leading type of injury at 23% followed by lacerations (18%). First degree burns accounted for 13% of the injuries and abrasions at 9%.

Nearly half of all injuries affected hands (20%), fingers (15%), and head/face (13%). Second degree burns were the leading type of injury at 23% followed by lacerations (18%). First degree burns accounted for 13% of the injuries and abrasions at 9%. Loss of sight decreased to 5% from 11% in 2024.

OSFM is aware of additional injuries that are not part of the statistics since they were not reported to OSFM by a healthcare provider. The OSFM encourages healthcare providers to participate in reporting injuries the entire year and forms can be found on our website by visit:https://sfm.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/sfm/sfmdocuments/documents/pyrotechnichospitalfireworkssurvey.pdf

Many people enjoy the booming sounds and flashing colors of fireworks, but they can be terrifying, overwhelming⁠ and hazardous for both wild and domestic animals.

On the Fourth of July, many animals become so frightened by the noise and commotion of fireworks that they run from otherwise familiar environments and people, and sadly become lost. They may also suffer devastating or even fatal health effects from the stress. The sudden bright flashes and sounds can cause wild animals to run into roadways, resulting in more car accidents than normal. Wildlife rehabilitation centers are often flooded with traumatized, injured and orphaned wild animals after the holiday. Keep the tips listed below in mind to keep your furry family members safe and calm during the 4th of July.