Stay Safe This Fourth: Avoid ER Visits and Illegal Fireworks

WHO:

CNN - Dr. Elizabeth Murray, pediatric emergency physician at the University of Rochester Medicine

CNN - Peter Feldman, acting chairman of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)

CNN - Julie Heckman, executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association

CNN - Utah Governor, who signed an executive order

CNN - Chino Police Department in San Bernardino County

WHAT:

CNN - An estimated 13,000 people experienced firework-related injuries last year.

CNN - 15 people died from firework-related incidents last year, a 36% increase in fatalities from 2024.

CNN - 15 to 24-year-olds accounted for 31% of all firework-related injuries.

CNN - Sparkler-related injuries resulted in 1,300 emergency room visits last year.

CNN - Utah's governor signed an executive order temporarily banning personal firework use statewide due to the ongoing Cottonwood Fire.

CNN - Phoenix banned all fireworks on city property, including parks and within 1 mile of nature preserves, with fines up to $2,500.

CNN - The Chino Police Department announced a $1,000 fine for firework-related violations.

WHERE:

CNN - The United States, specifically mentioning Utah and Phoenix.

CNN - San Bernardino County, California.

WHEN:

CNN - The executive order in Utah was signed on June 25 and was effective through the holiday weekend.

CNN - The Cottonwood Fire is noted as the largest active fire in the nation.

WHY:

CNN - Experts advise caution due to severe firework-related injuries and fatalities, particularly during a heat wave and drought conditions.

CNN - The increase in firework-related injuries is attributed to younger generations succumbing to peer pressure and challenges.

HOW:

CNN - Experts recommend leaving fireworks to professionals and taking precautions such as maintaining a safe distance and following instructions.

CNN - The CPSC advises that sparklers burn at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit (1,093 degrees Celsius) and should not be handled by young children.

(UPDATED July 9, 2026 18:33 UTC)

An estimated 13,000 people experienced firework-related injuries last year in the United States, with 15 fatalities marking a 36% increase from the previous year. In response to the ongoing Cottonwood Fire, Utah's governor has signed an executive order temporarily banning personal firework use statewide, while Phoenix has implemented a ban on fireworks on city property, including parks, with fines reaching up to $2,500. Experts are urging caution due to the severe risks associated with fireworks, especially during heat waves and drought conditions, and recommend that fireworks be left to professionals while emphasizing the dangers of sparklers, which can burn at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.