Fireworks injure thousands of people every year. With the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, Homes.com turned to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for tips on protecting themselves and their homes.
Fireworks sent 9,700 people to the emergency room in 2023, a decline from the peak of 15,600 in 2020.
Fireworks present a big danger to both people and residences alike. In 2023, fireworks started more than 32,302 fires in the U.S., including 3,706 structure fires, 849 vehicle fires, 27,252 outside fires, and 441 unclassified fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association. "These fires caused an estimated 15 civilian deaths, 58 civilian injuries and $142 million in direct property damage."
Tuesday's explosion at a fireworks factory in Esparto, California, shows how dangerous they can be. Seven individuals remain unaccounted for as of Wednesday night, officials said.
Improper grill use sparks fires
Gas grills were involved in an average of 9,287 home fires per year from 2019 to 2023: 4,682 structure fires and 4,605 outdoor fires, according to the fire association. Six percent of gas grill structure fires and 13% of outside gas grill fires were caused by leaks or breaks.
FEMA and the fire association offer the following tips for protecting yourself and your home this Fourth of July:
Fireworks
- Forget about fireworks at home. They are illegal in several states. Attend a public display.
- Clear your roof of leaves and pine needles — anything that could catch fire from a spark.
- Got a deck? Clear the leaf debris from underneath.
Grills
- Speaking of kids and pets, keep them away from sparklers, which can reach up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Keep anything that may spark a fire away from mulch. It's flammable.
- Use propane, charcoal and wood pellet barbecue grills outside. Indoor use can cause a fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Hosting a barbecue? Stay close while the grill is lit and keep a 3-foot safe zone around it. This will keep kids and pets safe.
- Place your grill well away from siding and deck railings, under eaves, and overhanging branches. Do not use a grill on a porch or balcony.
- Open your gas grill before lighting it.
- Place the coals from your grill in a metal can with a lid once they have cooled.