Be Safe! Leave Fireworks to the Professionals
(Travis County, TX) – Fireworks are a traditional part of America's Fourth of July celebration. As we plan to celebrate America's Independence, the Travis County Department of Emergency Services and the Office of the Fire Marshal remind residents to celebrate safely by staying informed about the hazards of consumer fireworks. If not handled properly, residents may end up with a trip to the hospital or potentially cause fire damage. Tony Callaway, Travis County Fire Marshal urges residents to stay safe by leaving fireworks to the professionals.
"While fireworks are an emblem of July Fourth celebrations, we strongly encourage residents to find safe and creative alternatives for celebrating the holiday. Fireworks are simply too dangerous and unpredictable to be used safely by consumers,” said Callaway. “Our message is simple — leave the fireworks to the professionals. Even Sparklers, often considered harmless enough for children, burn as hot as 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit and causes third-degree burns.”
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) 2021 report, 11,500 firework injuries occurred in 2020, and about 32 percent of those emergency room injuries were firework burns. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fireworks cause approximately 19,500 fires yearly, resulting in an estimated $105 million in direct property damage nationwide.
If you purchase and use consumer fireworks, remember that fireworks within the various city limits located in Travis County, including the City of Austin, are prohibited. Fireworks are not allowed in Travis County parks. Follow all safety steps before, during, and after using consumer fireworks to help keep you, your family, and your pets healthy and safe:
- Purchase and set off fireworks labeled for consumers. Never use homemade or illegal fireworks.
- Know and follow all county and city fireworks laws for your area. Check with your local fire and police departments for guidance on permitted fireworks.
- Use Fireworks outside on a flat, firm surface, such as the ground or a driveway. Never carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them in metal or glass containers.
- Never point or throw fireworks, including sparklers, at anyone.
- Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- Protect your children – Never use sparklers without close adult supervision. While often considered a "safe" firework for kids, the tip of a sparkler burns at about 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, is hot enough to melt some metals and can cause third-degree burns. According to the 2021 CPSC report, there were 1,100 emergency room-related injuries due to sparklers.
- Be mindful that fireworks can raise many concerns for the safety and well-being of animals, senior citizens, military veterans, and other community members. Animals have sensitive ears and can be frightened or stressed during a fireworks celebration. Always keep pets inside and safe from fireworks.
- Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Lighting a “dud” can cause it to explode, leading to serious injury. If a firework does not light or fire, let it sit for at least 20 minutes, then carefully place it in a bucket of water. Soak them and throw them away.
- Always have a fire extinguisher on hand – Fireworks in dry areas can quickly start a blaze that goes out of control.
- Fireworks can smolder for a long time after going off and start a fire after you've left the area. Use a bucket of water to discard matches, used fireworks, and firework duds to prevent a trash fire.
- Be sure matches, lighters, and unused fireworks are out of the sight and reach of children before, during, and after your celebration.
For more information on fireworks safety, visit the National Fire Protection Association, nfpa.org; the National Safety Council, nsc.org; The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), cpsc.gov, or the Travis County Fire Marshal Office at traviscountytx.gov/fire-marshal.
