Summer Firework Safety 101

On the latest season of the television phenomenon The Pitt, an M-80 firework explosion becomes an emergency room visit when a young patient named Jude suffers a grim injury and lost fingers. 

For viewers of the show, this gruesome scene might be hard to watch. Unfortunately, stories like this happen in the real world every day. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, around 14,700 people visited the ER for firework-related injuries in 2024. 

Before the summer holidays roll around, we’re covering some firework safety tips to help ensure this season is one with fewer emergencies and more simple holiday fun. 

The dangers of handling fireworks

There are a wide range of commonly-seen firework injuries, including burns, loss of hearing and loss of vision. Even sparklers, which are often seen as safer options, can burn at over 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. 

A common severe injury is when a firework explodes in your hand. Within a fraction of a moment, massive damage can occur, leaving patients without fingers. These incidents happen in a flash and can result in hand amputations.

As Hand Surgeons, we routinely see catastrophic injuries from fireworks including traumatic amputations, shattered bones, tendon ruptures, nerve destruction and severe burns that permanently alter a person’s life. Many patients never regain normal hand function despite multiple surgeries and extensive therapy.

The loss of a thumb, finger or hand is not simply a cosmetic injury — it can mean losing the ability to work, write, dress independently, care for children, participate in sports or perform everyday tasks most people take for granted. In seconds, one explosion can create lifelong disability.

Tips to celebrate safely

This year, consider approaching the summer holidays with these tips in mind:

• Don’t pick up a “dud:” A firework misfire might be delayed. If you think a firework is a “dud,” don’t reach for it. 
• Don’t mix alcohol and fireworks: Consuming alcohol when fireworks are involved leads to bad judgement and slower reaction time. 
• Keep the kids away: Fireworks can get hot enough to melt metal—they certainly aren’t toys. Keep young children away from them and supervise older kids at all times. 
• Don’t hold fireworks in your hand: Don’t hold a firework while lighting it. Make sure it is on the ground first, not in your hand. 
• Prepare for problems: No one wants anything to go wrong, but preparing for the worst is key. Have a source of water nearby when doing anything that uses fire. For fireworks that don’t ignite, safely soak it with water and dispose of it rather than any attempt to relight it. 

The safest fireworks are the ones viewed from a distance at professional public displays—not the ones ignited in your driveway or held in your hand. No celebration is worth permanent disability, blindness or the loss of a hand.

This season is a great time to bring your family and friends together to soak up the sun and make safety a priority as you celebrate good times. If an unexpected injury happens to you, our orthopedic team at Texas Tech Physicians is here for your care. 

To ensure accurate and reliable information, this post was thoughtfully reviewed and co-written by Anceslo Idicula, M.D., M.S.