Fire departments and emergency management officials across the United States are urging residents to prioritize safety as communities prepare for Independence Day and America’s 250th anniversary celebrations this weekend.
With widespread public events, backyard gatherings and travel expected, officials in Arizona, South Carolina, Wisconsin and Oregon have warned that fireworks, dry conditions, heat and outdoor activities can quickly create serious fire and injury risks.
The warnings come as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported at least 15 fireworks-related deaths and an estimated 13,000 emergency department-treated injuries in 2025, including around 1,300 injuries involving sparklers. CPSC said sparklers can burn at temperatures above 2,000°F, hot enough to cause serious burns in seconds.
NFPA has also warned that consumer fireworks remain a significant cause of fires and injuries around July 4. According to NFPA, fireworks started an estimated 34,079 fires in 2024, including structure, vehicle and outside fires, and caused an estimated $98 million in direct property damage.
In Tucson, Arizona, where wildfire season is underway and red flag warnings have recently been in effect, Captain Jamie Sieminski of the Tucson Fire Department said preparation should begin before any firework is lit.
“First and foremost, we want you to have a garden hose out,” Sieminski said. “We want you to wet down the area that you’re going to light the fireworks.”
He said fireworks should only be used in a wide-open area, away from debris, homes, vehicles, dry grass, trees and anything else that could ignite. Recent winds and dry conditions mean “anything — a small spark — can turn into a full-on house fire,” he added.
Sieminski also warned that sparklers are a leading cause of burn injuries in children around July 4. He demonstrated that sparklers can reach around 1,800°F — comparable to a blowtorch — and said children should not be allowed to walk around with or twirl them.
“You wouldn’t let your kid walk around with a blowtorch,” Sieminski said.
In South Carolina, State Fire Marshal Jonathan Jones said fireworks can be an enjoyable part of the holiday but must be used responsibly.
“Most fire fatalities continue to occur in homes, and many fires begin with preventable actions,” Jones said. “A few simple safety precautions can protect your family, your home, and your community.”
Officials urged residents to check local laws before buying or using fireworks, observe weather conditions and local fire restrictions, and purchase fireworks only from permitted retailers. South Carolina law prohibits the sale of fireworks to anyone younger than 16.
The Stevens Point Fire Department in Wisconsin said the safest option is to attend a professional public display and leave fireworks to trained experts. It also encouraged families to consider alternatives such as glow sticks, patriotic crafts, outdoor movie nights, noisemakers, silly string, cookouts and other family celebrations.
In Oregon, where officials said the state is entering its driest year since 2015, the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) urged residents and visitors to check local fire restrictions before traveling, camping or celebrating outdoors. OEM reminded the public that fireworks are not allowed on public land, including all Oregon beaches.
OEM said fire danger levels can vary by jurisdiction and may change quickly during dry conditions. Travelers were encouraged to sign up for local emergency alerts, monitor evacuation information and prepare go bags and vehicle emergency kits in case conditions deteriorate.
Officials are encouraging residents using fireworks at home or attending a professional display to follow these safety guidelines:
OEM also urged the public to “don’t be the spark” by keeping vehicle tires properly inflated, avoiding dragging tow chains, not parking on dry grass or weeds, and keeping grills and fire pits away from structures and low branches.
Emergency managers also warned that the holiday weekend may bring added risks beyond fireworks, including heat and water hazards. In Oregon, low snowpack and emerging drought conditions are expected to leave some lakes, reservoirs and rivers with lower-than-normal water levels, exposing rocks, sandbars and debris. Boaters and paddlers were urged to wear life jackets, boat sober and stay alert.
Officials said the safest way to celebrate this Independence Day is to attend a professional fireworks display, follow local guidance and make safety a shared responsibility.
