Sizzling Facts about Fireworks

July 4th in South Carolina Brings Fun and Fireworks

Fireworks and sparklers are a traditional staple of the 4th of July. It would be hard to imagine a July 4th celebration without them. Fireworks are not just used for American celebrations but are used all over the world. 

Yet with the use of fireworks comes the risk of injury. Fireworks-related injuries are most common around holidays like the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Health.

Types of Fireworks

As fireworks were developed over the centuries, they fell into several categories, or classifications, of use. Consumer Fireworks (Class C fireworks) are fireworks that can be bought at stores for the public to use. Display Fireworks (Class B fireworks) are the types of fireworks used in large displays and fireworks shows that are not available to the public for purchase and are only operated by licensed professionals. 

Despite warnings and instructions plastered on Class C fireworks and restrictions on the use of Class B fireworks by licensed professionals, thousands of people each year are injured by both types of fireworks. Fireworks injuries increase around the Fourth of July each year, rising about 12 percent in South Carolina.

South Carolina Fireworks Statistics

Fireworks injuries are most common around the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve, according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC). 

Recent statistics from SCDHEC reveal the following facts about fireworks injuries. In just one year:

• 182 people suffered non-fatal injuries, including serious burns, severe bruises, and other forms of severe harm.
• 177 people needed emergency room treatment for their injuries.
• Five people were admitted to the hospital for treatment of fireworks-related injuries.

According to Allegiant Fire Protection, fireworks injuries increased by over 12 percent in South Carolina during the Fourth of July fireworks season. While this increase isn’t as high as those seen in other states, it indicates that South Carolina residents and businesses can do more to take care to avoid injuring others with fireworks. 

Interest in fireworks continues to grow in South Carolina. Between January 2020 and March 2021, South Carolina residents spent an average of $647.40 per 100 people on fireworks – the fifth highest per-person spend in the United States. Between 2008 and 2021, South Carolina residents increased their fireworks spending by over 245 percent. In total, South Carolina residents spent over $32.5 million on fireworks in 2020 and 2021. As spending on fireworks increases, the risk of injuries increases as well. 

Fireworks Injuries in 2022 and 2023

A study conducted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) shows that in 2022, 10,200 people were treated in emergency rooms for injuries sustained from fireworks, 11 deaths were caused by fireworks, and 1,900 injuries occurred from sparklers and firecrackers (CPSC). 

In 2022, 73 percent of all fireworks injuries occurred in the weeks before and after the July 4th holiday. Burns were the most common, causing 38 percent of all injuries. Injuries most often affected the hands and fingers (29 percent), followed by the head, face, and ears (19 percent), legs (19 percent), and eyes (16 percent). While fireworks are entertaining, they can also be dangerous and deadly.

Early reports of fireworks injuries and deaths in 2023 revealed a similar pattern to the previous year. According to a USA Today report:

• Five people died in July 4th fireworks incidents.
• In Michigan, ten people were injured when fireworks exploded inside a home. One person, a 43-year-old woman, died of her injuries. 
• Critical injuries suffered in 2023 fireworks incidents included hand and finger amputations and severe burns. In one case, a firework landed inside a vehicle, injuring the driver. 

Fireworks can be dangerous for numerous reasons: improper usage, malfunctions, or having non-compliant components. The legal limit of explosive material in consumer fireworks (Class C) is 1.4G or 50 mg. For size comparison, there should not be more than half an aspirin tablet’s worth of explosive material in any one firework. Any amount more than that is illegal (APA). Unfortunately, illegal fireworks are more common than one might realize. Legal fireworks always have a manufacturer’s label on the packaging as well as warning labels. They also include instructions for proper operating use. Fireworks missing this crucial information are likely illegal and should be reported to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. However, Cherry Bombs, M80’s, M100’s, and Silver Salutes are always illegal fireworks and highly dangerous (APA).

Safety Measures for Fireworks

Given the growing number of fireworks-related injuries each year, here are some safety precautions you can take to ensure you are not among the injured.

• Never allow children to operate and use fireworks or sparklers without parental supervision.
• Keep a hose or a bucket of water close by in case of a fire or other accident.
• Set fireworks off one at a time and maintain a safe distance away from the fireworks.
• Never point or throw fireworks or sparklers at someone else.
• After using the fireworks, soak them in water before throwing them away to prevent any trash fires.
• Never use fireworks while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Whether you are setting off your own fireworks, twirling around sparklers with friends, or watching a fireworks show, injuries can happen to anyone at any time. Stay alert during your 4th of July festivities, and use caution when dealing with fireworks. If you or a loved one is injured by fireworks, call our personal injury attorneys to schedule a free consultation. We have three office locations in Charleston, Goose Creek, and Summerville. To learn more, visit steinberglawfirm.com or call us at (843) 720-2800.