NJ Department of Community Affairs

New Jersey Division of Fire Safety Issues Fireworks Safety Tips as Nation Celebrates July 4th and America's 250th Anniversary

Posted on: 07/2/2026

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. With communities across the state marking July 4th, and many also taking part in celebrations of America's 250th anniversary, the Division strongly encourages everyone to enjoy the holiday at public fireworks displays conducted by licensed professionals rather than attempting to use fireworks themselves.

Celebrate Safely: Leave Fireworks to the Pros

“This Fourth of July, hundreds of professional fireworks displays are happening across New Jersey," said DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. "From the waterfronts to the Jersey Shore, families have no shortage of safe ways to celebrate. Leave the fireworks to the professionals and enjoy the show.”

"This milestone anniversary calls for celebration, and we want every family to get home safely," said State Fire Marshal and Director of the Division of Fire Safety Wayne Wolk. "The safest way to celebrate the 4^th of July and honor 250 years of this nation is to attend a professional display and keep fireworks out of your hands entirely."

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.

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.

Fireworks Injuries: The Facts

According to the latest U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) fireworks data (2025):

15 fireworks-related deaths were reported in 2025, most involving misuse and device misfire or malfunctions.
An estimated 13,000 people were injured by fireworks in 2025.
An estimated 1,300 emergency room injuries in 2025 involved sparklers.
Burns were the most common injury, making up 38% of all emergency room visits, most commonly affecting hands, fingers, head, face, and ears.
The 15 to 24 age group accounted for the largest share of reported injuries.

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!

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

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