With laws related to personal fireworks and sparkling devices more relaxed in New York State, fireworks are more accessible than ever. Whether at a designated stand or local store, it’s increasingly popular for people to purchase fireworks for their own Fourth of July displays.
Previously, New York banned the sale of sparkling devices, making counties opt-in to sell the items. However, in recent years, the law has changed, and counties now must opt-out. This means the devices are legal, unless action is specifically taken to ban them.
Associate Chair of Emergency Medicine at Kenmore Mercy Hospital, Dr. Lloyd Brown said the hospital typically sees burn cases from holding fireworks too close or standing too close while lighting them.
“While fireworks are beautiful to watch and fun to enjoy, be safe and leave them to the professionals.”
Dr. Lloyd W. Brown
Associate Chair of Emergency Medicine, Kenmore Mercy Hospital
Most of these injuries happen mid-June through mid-July because of people handling fireworks unsafely or due to them malfunctioning. The estimated number of firework injury cases are expected to increase with New York State’s recent law change.
According to a report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 9700 people were treated in the ER for firework injuries in 2023. 42% of those injuries were burns, with the hands and fingers being the most injured body parts. Teenagers aged 15-19 had the highest incident rate of firework-related injuries treated in the emergency department, with children aged 5-9 being the second highest.
Small burns should be wrapped in a clean, cold towel to stop the burning process and evaluated as to whether they need further medical attention. If you are unsure about the severity of the burn, call 9-1-1 or immediately go to your nearest hospital.
As in all cases, prevention is the best overall protection to ensure a safe and happy Fourth of July.
For Immediate Medical Attention
Call 9-1-1 or
Visit the Nearest Emergency Room
