COLUMBUS, OH (WLIO) – With the Fourth of July on Friday, the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office is reminding residents to celebrate safely as they light up the skies.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2024 alone, 11 people were killed and nearly 15,000 sent to the emergency room due to fireworks-related injuries. 37% of those injuries were burns.
Fire officials urge the public never to re-light or pick up a firework that didn’t go off. They also warn against using fireworks while under the influence of alcohol and advise not to light more than one firework at a time.
“So, obviously you want to make sure that you're using legal fireworks, something that actually comes from a reputable dealer, not something that's homemade or otherwise altered. We also want to make sure that we're using a safe distance. So, if you're going to set them off anywhere, you want to make sure that you have a good safe distance around with no buildings, no trees, shrubs, anything that could catch on fire, as well as a safe viewing distance for anybody that would happen to be there,” said Paul Martin, Fire Prevention Assistant Chief at the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Even sparklers can pose a risk, especially for children.
“They think, oh, this is a good thing. We can give them some sparklers, but those things burn over 2000 degrees. So, having them with a bucket of water close by, something you can put it in afterwards. We don't want to throw those in the trash. They can start a fire, so having a bucket of cold water close by after they're done with them,” adds Martin.
Martin says the safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public show put on by professionals.
