New Jersey Division of Fire Safety Provides Fireworks Safety Tips

• Posted on: 07/3/2025

TRENTON, NJ – As Independence Day approaches, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ (DCA) Division of Fire Safety is reminding residents to prioritize safety when celebrating with fireworks. While some ground-based sparkling devices and novelties are legal in New Jersey, the Division strongly encourages everyone to enjoy the holiday at public fireworks displays conducted by licensed professionals.

Know the Law: What’s Legal and What’s Not
Since 2017, New Jersey law permits the sale and use of certain ground-based fireworks, such as hand-held sparklers, smoke devices, and party poppers. However, aerial fireworks, including bottle rockets, firecrackers, and Roman candles, remain strictly prohibited. Even legal ground-based fireworks can be hazardous. For example, sparklers can reach temperatures of up to 2,000°F hotter than boiling water, burning wood, or even melting glass.

Celebrate Safely: Leave Fireworks to the Pros
“Families and friends can enjoy spectacular fireworks at hundreds of professionally managed displays across New Jersey,” said DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “We urge everyone to attend these free, public events, especially those along the waterfronts and at the Jersey Shore, rather than attempting to use fireworks themselves.”

State Fire Marshal Richard Mikutsky, director of the Division of Fire Safety
added, “If you do choose to use legal ground-based fireworks, please exercise extreme caution. These devices can cause serious burns and injuries if not handled properly.”

A visual guide to legal and illegal fireworks is available for download on the DCA’s website.

Fireworks Safety Tips from the Division of Fire Safety
If you decide to purchase and use ground-based sparkling devices or novelties, follow these important safety recommendations:

• Never use illegal fireworks.
• Purchase only from reputable retailers.
• Avoid items with damaged or tampered packaging.
• Never use fireworks indoors.
• Do not use in windy or dry conditions.
• Read and follow all manufacturer instructions.
• Keep young children away; supervise older children closely.
• Never use fireworks under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Wear protective eyewear.
• Never hold lit fireworks in your hands.
• Use fireworks away from people, homes, and flammable materials.
• Never point or throw fireworks at anyone.
• Light only one device at a time; step away immediately after lighting.
• Never ignite fireworks in containers.
• Do not attempt to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
• Soak used devices and “duds” in water overnight before disposal.
• Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby for emergencies.
•  Double wrap-soaked fireworks in plastic before discarding in household trash.

Fireworks Injuries: The Facts
According to the latest U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) fireworks data (2024):

• 11 non-occupational fireworks-related deaths occurred in 2024.
• 14,700 people were injured by fireworks in 2024, an increase of about 52% compared to 2023.
• 1,700 injuries involving sparklers were treated in emergency rooms.
• Burns accounted for 37% of injuries, most commonly affecting hands, fingers, head, face, and ears.
• Adults aged 25–44 had the highest injury rate, followed by teens and young adults aged 15–24.

About the Division of Fire Safety
The Division of Fire Safety is New Jersey’s central fire service agency. It is responsible for developing and enforcing the State Uniform Fire Code, as well as providing community risk reduction and firefighter training programs.

For more information and to download the legal fireworks guide, visit the DCA Division of Fire Safety website.

Stay safe and have a happy Fourth of July!

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: