New Jersey Division of Fire Safety Provides Fireworks Safety Tips

• Posted on: 06/30/2023

People Encouraged to Celebrate Fourth of July at Public Fireworks Displays Handled by Professionals rather than Use Fireworks Themselves

TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ (DCA) Division of Fire Safety today issued fireworks safety recommendations, including the safe use of ground-based sparkling devices and novelties, in advance of the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.

New Jersey modified its fireworks law in 2017 to legally allow the sale and use of ground-based fireworks such as hand-held sparklers, smoke devices, and party popper novelties. However, New Jersey law continues to strictly prohibit the sale and use of aerial fireworks, which include any fireworks that explode in the air such as bottle rockets, firecrackers, and Roman candles.

“Fourth of July is a time to gather with friends and family as we honor our nation’s independence and history. As we celebrate, Governor Murphy and I urge people to exercise extreme caution if they choose to use ground-based fireworks,” said Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who also serves as DCA Commissioner. “While ground-based fireworks such as sparklers are legally permitted, these devices are dangerous and can burn people, animals, and property. Therefore, we encourage people to carefully review firework safety guidelines and instructions to keep loved ones safe from injury.”

“We strongly recommend people celebrate the July 4^th holiday by attending one of the many free public fireworks displays conducted by professional pyrotechnicians and by using glow sticks, noise makers, or red, white and blue silly string instead of sparklers,” said State Fire Marshal Richard Mikutsky, who also leads the Division of Fire Safety. “The fact remains that ground-based fireworks like smoke devices, flammable snakes, party poppers, and sparklers can be an invitation to personal injury, including serious burns.”   

The temperature of one sparkler can reach about 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hotter than the temperatures at which water boils, wood burns, and glass melts. In fact, burns account for 38 percent of injuries treated in emergency rooms seen in the month around July 4, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

People can view and download from DCA’s website a visual guide of which fireworks are legal and which are not.

The Division of Fire Safety provides the following recommendations for people who decide to buy and use ground-based sparkling devices and novelties:

• Never use illegal fireworks.
• Only buy legal devices from reputable retail outlets.
• Don’t buy if the packaging is damaged or appears tampered with.
• Never use these devices indoors.
• Don’t use in very windy or dry conditions.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks and only permit older children to use them under close adult supervision.
• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
• Wear protective eyewear when using fireworks or standing nearby.
• Never hold lit fireworks in your hands.
• Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.
• Never ignite devices in a container.
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning or “dud” fireworks.
• Completely soak used devices and “duds” in a bucket of water and let soak overnight.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire.
• Double-wrap soaked devices in plastic wrap or a plastic bag to help keep them from drying out.
• Place wrapped bags in regular household garbage.

According to the 2022 U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Fireworks Annual Report:

• Fireworks were involved with an estimated 10,200 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments during calendar year 2022.
• An estimated 7,400 fireworks-related injuries (or 73 percent of the total estimated fireworks-related injuries in 2022) were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments during the one-month period between June 17, 2022, and July 17, 2022.
• Thirty-eight percent of the emergency department-treated fireworks-related injuries were burns. Burns were the most common injury to hands and fingers.
• Teenagers 15 to 19 years of age had the highest estimated rate of emergency department-treated, fireworks-related injuries (6 injuries per 100,000 people). Children, 10 to 14 years of age, had the second highest estimated rate (3.7 injuries per 100,000 people).
• There were an estimated 1,300 emergency department-treated injuries associated with firecrackers and 600 with sparklers.

The Division of Fire Safety serves as the central fire service agency in the state. The Division is responsible for the development and enforcement of the State Uniform Fire Code, as well as engaging the public on community risk reduction strategies, assisting in fire department preparedness and conducting firefighter training programs.

In addition to fire safety, DCA offers a wide range of programs and services, including local government management and finance, affordable housing production, disaster recovery and mitigation, building safety, community planning and development, historic preservation, and information privacy.

For more information about DCA, visit https://nj.gov/dca/ or follow the Department on social media: