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STK - Fireworks

ALEX Grichenko

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Fireworks go off as dancers perform at the end of Stadium of Fire on Saturday, July 2, 2011. 

SPENSER HEAPS/Daily Herald

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Guests watch fireworks during Stadium of Fire at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Saturday, July 2, 2016. CHRIS SAMUELS, Daily Herald.

Christopher Samuels

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An Orem family was displaced early on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 after their home was destroyed by a fire caused by discarded fireworks.

Orem Fire Department

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There is an irresistible thrill in making something explode.

Every year around holidays like the Fourth of July, Utahns embrace that thrill by spending millions of dollars on fireworks.

And Utahns certainly aren’t alone. The American Pyrotechnics Association projected that Americans nationwide spent approximately $2.8 billion on fireworks in 2025.

But while it can be delightful to listen to the booms and watch the colorful flashes of light fountain either on the ground or in the air, the reality is that fireworks are inherently extremely dangerous.

Helping people understand that is an important part of the job for Andrew McCormick, Public Education Program Coordinator for the State Fire Marshal’s office at the Utah Department of Public Safety.

“Respecting the balance between enjoying fireworks and staying safe is important,” McCormick said “Understanding that we are handling something with the potential to cause a lot of damage or injury is the key. I think Utahns get that. But fires do start because of fireworks and injuries do occur. I’d like to see this be the safest year we’ve ever had in Utah.”

He said that the vast majority of residents in the state respect fireworks and handle them carefully and safely.

“The Fire Marshal’s Office would like to thank every Utahn who takes celebrating the independence of our country and the founding of our state seriously,” he said. “At our office, we are grateful for people who take firework safety seriously during the 4th and 24th of July and we know how every community tries its best to be safe.”

But it never hurts to be reminded of some of the risks and dangers, in order for everyone to do their part to prevent them.

Here are some of the things McCormick wants Utahns to know:

Injuries and property damage

Two of most damaging outcome from the misuse or accidents with fire works are individuals getting hurt and fires burning property.

“Fireworks are hot!” McCormick said. “Sparklers are particularly hot, nearly 1,200 degrees F, which is hot enough to melt glass. Ground fireworks that we light ourselves are both hot and fast, so that makes for a great spectacle, but also makes for things to get out of control pretty quickly if something goes wrong. ER injuries always spike on the 4th of July. Nationwide, we consistently see anywhere from 13,000 to 15,000 emergency room visits a year just from fireworks.”

As an example, the Fireworks Safety Page run but the State Fire Marshal’s Office lists the following statistics from Utah in 2023:

• 32,302 fires started
• 9,700 emergency room visits
• $142 million in damage
• 32% of injuries to children under 15 years old
• 35% of injuries to hands/fingers
• 22% of Injuries to head/face

Those are sobering reminders to take proper precautions when lighting fireworks.

Add risks in a drought year

Everyone knows that Utah didn’t get enough snow or other moisture, and the evidence has been even more visible in the smoky air that has permeated many areas of the state. And fireworks have a long history of starting more fires.

That’s why McCormick suggests that other ways to celebrate in 2026 might be better.

“One of the best ways to celebrate this year is to leave the lighting of fireworks to the professionals — and I mean the actual professionals who have years of experience and are licensed through our office to put on firework shows,” he said. “With the extra dry conditions this year, these experts know how to be responsible with fireworks and put on a great show. Check with your local area for firework display events.”

He understands how much fun lighting fireworks can be, so he reiterated the importance of common-sense precautions if you want to have your own show on your property:

• Only light one firework at a time
• Have an adult supervise all firework lighting
• Do not mix alcohol and fireworks. Sober lighting only.
• Keep the hose, a bucket, or another water source nearby. Toss spent fireworks into the bucket after letting them sit for 15 minutes.
• Be extra cautious of wind this year. Worst case scenario would be your aerial dropping a hot spark on a nearby grass field.
• Make sure you are lighting fireworks from a flat, clear surface.
• Duds aren’t fun, but give them 15 minutes before approaching them, then toss them in the bucket with the spent ones.

Focus on basic safety measures

When asked what the most important things fireworks users should consider when lighting fireworks, McCormick emphasized following simple strategies to guide your use of the explosives.

“Let’s keep it down to three words: location, weather, and aftermath,” McCormick said. “Is your spot legal and clear of dry brush? Is it too windy to light fireworks safely? Is your street too busy with cars and folks walking around? And finally, did you actually soak your used fireworks overnight so you don’t accidentally melt your garbage can? If you check those three boxes, you’re in good shape.”

He urges all Utahns to prioritize safety for themselves and others as they prepare for their Fourth of July celebrations.

“This year, with all of the fires we’ve already experienced, please check your local areas’ maps and restricted zones,” McCormick said. “Those are carefully created to balance a fun celebration and a safe environment for our community. If you are in or near a restricted zone, please consider attending a professional fireworks show this year.”