How to avoid fireworks injuries this July Fourth weekend

The Fourth of July weekend brings a surge of cookouts, fireworks and celebrations — and with it, a busy stretch for fire safety and health officials preparing for the holiday’s potential hazards.

Brad James, fire chief at Eureka Fire Rescue in Tarentum, said the holiday weekend tends to produce numerous fires.

“We’ve had several horror stories,” James said. “A lot of catastrophes happen around the holiday.”

Those incidents often include car accidents, house fires and property damage, he said.

In 2023, fireworks started about 32,000 fires nationally, according to the National Fire Association.

Last year, The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported 11 firework-related deaths, an estimated 14,700 injuries from fireworks and about 1,700 emergency room visits linked to sparklers.

Dr. Ariel Aballay, director of West Penn Burn Center in Pittsburgh, said sparklers account for 25% of emergency room visits around the holiday weekend.

“Kids 5 years and younger tend to play with those,” Aba­llay said. “Many times without adult supervision.”

Sparklers burn at more than 2,000 degrees and can cause serious injuries if mishandled, especially when they fall into clothing, Aballay said.

“They don’t understand the risk,” Aballay said.

Grills and fire pits also pose a safety concern.

Safety tips

Officials say a few simple steps can help prevent serious accidents and keep holiday celebrations safe and enjoyable.

Dr. Aballay recommends checking stoves and grills that have been unused for months by testing for gas leaks with soapy water.

He advises keeping children and adults at a safe distance from fireworks being ignited.

Children account for the highest number of firework injuries nationwide, but adults suffer injuries each year as well, Aballay said.

He said many children light fireworks without adult supervision, and sometimes even indoors. In some cases, people are burned while attempting to relight malfunctioning fireworks.

“An accident happens because they don’t have time to escape,” Aballay said.

He emphasized the importance of fully extinguishing used fireworks with water, keeping a safe distance and wearing safety goggles when possible.

James recommends carefully reading safety instructions, purchasing fireworks legally, and using them only in open areas to protect people and property.

When to treat a burn or rush to the hospital

To treat burns, Aballay recommends cooling the skin with lukewarm water for 10-20 minutes, removing tight jewelry and clothing, and avoiding home remedies like butter and oil. Cover burns with a clean, nonstick bandage.

If the burn is larger than the patient’s palm or starts blistering, seek professional medical attention.

Aballay also stressed the importance of staying hydrated, especially on hot days when many people consume alcohol.

“Keep in mind that when people drink, their awareness is compromised,” he said. “They might not feel the signs of dehydration.

“We would like everyone to celebrate and acknowledge our nation’s history safely.”

In Pittsburgh, Public Safety Director Lee Schmidt laid out the city’s rules and regulations for use of fireworks:

• Fireworks can’t be set off on any property without the owner’s permission
• Fireworks cannot be discharged within 150 feet of a building or vehicle, regardless of whether the user owns the building or vehicle
• Fireworks are prohibited in all city parks and ball fields, and on any city-owned property
• Fireworks cannot be used while the operator is under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances

Improper use can lead to fines, arrests or confiscation of fireworks

“These restrictions are designed to keep everyone safe as we celebrate the Fourth of July,” Schmidt said. “We ask that residents be mindful of their neighbors and their pets; a little consideration helps ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday for all.”