With 4th of July season upon us, the Yuma Fire Department cautions residents about the dangers of both consumer and illegal fireworks usage.
According to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) research, every 4th of July, thousands of people (most often children and teens) are injured while using consumer fireworks. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks: devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even death (and civil/criminal liability).
Fireworks started an estimated 12,264 fires in 2021, including 2,082 structure fires, 316 vehicle fires, and 9,866 outside and other fires. These fires caused 29 civilian injuries and $59 million in direct property damage.
In 2021, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 11,500 people for fireworks related injuries; over half of those injuries were to the extremities and 35% were to the eye or other parts of the head. Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for almost one-quarter (23%) of the estimated 2021 injuries.
Even fireworks sold as “safe and sane” (like sparklers and other novelties), reach temperatures of over 1,200 degrees (water boils at 212 degrees and glass melts at 900 degrees). About half of all fireworks injuries are from burns.
Fireworks that explode or leave the ground are illegal in the state of Arizona, except for permitted commercial displays.
As a reminder, playing with fireworks is playing with fire. YFD encourages residents to enjoy the City of Yuma’s Independence Day Celebration, 6 - 10 p.m. July 4 at Ray Kroc Sports Complex and Desert Sun Stadium. This event is free to the public and includes an even larger fireworks show than in previous years.
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