Report: NFPA's "
Fireworks"
Author: Marty Ahrens
Issued: June 2016
NFPA’s Fireworks report provides estimates of fires and associated losses caused by fireworks through 2013. Information from the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC’s) 2014 Fireworks Annual Report about the estimated number of injuries caused by fireworks that were seen in hospital emergency departments is also summarized. Additional details are provided about injuries seen in the month around July 4.
Report highlights
- In 2013, fireworks caused an estimated 15,600 reported fires in the U.S., including 1,400 structure fires, 200 vehicle fires, and 14,000 outside and other fires.
- More than one-quarter (28%) of fires started by fireworks in 2009-2013 were reported on Independence Day. Almost half (47%) of the reported fires on the Fourth of July were started by fireworks.
- According to the CPSC, more than one-third (35%) of the people seen in emergency rooms for fireworks injuries from June 20-July 20, 2014 were under 15; nine percent were under five.
- CPSC data show that sparklers alone accounted for more than one one-quarter (28%) of the emergency room fireworks injuries seen from June 20-July 20, 2014.
