Fourth of July fireworks safety tips

A recent study by experts at firecashbuyer.com revealed important statistics about fireworks for this festive occasion, highlighting both the joys and potential hazards.

Fireworks-related injuries, especially among children aged 5-18, peak between mid-June and mid-July, accounting for nearly 70% of annual injuries in this age group. Despite a significant increase in fireworks consumption—growing from 152.2 million pounds in 2000 to 461.7 million pounds in 2022—the injury rate has dropped significantly due to improved safety measures.

However, in 2023, the injury rate rose slightly to 3.6 injuries per 100,000 pounds of fireworks, with 9,844 injuries recorded, despite a significant drop in consumption to 273.6 million pounds. The industry has seen substantial revenue growth, with consumer fireworks revenue rising from $407 million in 2000 to $2.2 billion in 2023.

firecashbuyer.com collected data and statistics from the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA).

Key Findings:

Historical Injury Rates: Fireworks-related injuries have declined significantly over the past few decades. In 1976, the injury

rate was 38.3 injuries per 100,000 pounds of fireworks, while by 2022, it had fallen to 2.2 injuries per 100,000 pounds, the lowest in five decades.

Consumption Trends: Fireworks consumption has grown dramatically from 152.2 million pounds in 2000 to a peak of 461.7 million pounds in 2022. Which is a 203.351% increase.

Revenue Growth: Side by side, the industry has also experienced substantial revenue growth, with consumer fireworks revenue rising from $407 million in 2000 to $2.2 billion in 2023 and display fireworks revenue rising from $203 million in 2000 to $500 million in 2023.

Child Safety Concerns: Children aged 5-18 are more likely to sustain fireworks-related injuries, especially between mid-June and mid-July. These injuries account for nearly 70% of the total annual fireworks-related injuries for children in this age group during this period.

Recent Trends: By 2023, the injury rate rose slightly to 3.6, with 9,844 injuries recorded, despite a significant drop in consumption to 273.6 million pounds.

Pandemic Surge: From 2020 to 2022, there was an average consumption of 431.7 million pounds, significantly higher than the average of 241.7 million pounds from 2010 to 2019.

Enhanced Safety Protocols: Improved safety guidelines, such as using legal fireworks, maintaining safe distances, and proper disposal, have contributed to the declining injury rates.

Fireworks-Related Injury Rates (1976-2023)

While the number of fireworks-related injuries has fluctuated over the years, the overall trend shows a decline in injury rates relative to the number of fireworks consumed in the U.S. This suggests better enforcement of safety regulations, increased public awareness, and the use of safer fireworks.

In 1976, the injury rate was at its highest (38.3 injuries per 100,000 pounds of fireworks), but by 2022, that number fell to 2.2, the lowest in five decades. Despite the overall rise in consumption, especially during the pandemic, when public displays were canceled and private fireworks use soared, the injury rate per 100,000 pounds of fireworks continued to decline. However, the injury rate rose to 3.6 in 2023, when the number of injuries (9,844) was relatively high in relation to a considerable drop in fireworks consumption (273.6 million lbs).

Injuries to Children – The Facts

Fireworks-related injuries among children, particularly those aged 5-18, peak between mid-June and mid-July, accounting for nearly 70% of the total annual fireworks-related injuries for children in this age group. Despite this peak, these injuries constitute less than 3% of injuries from other summer activities.

U.S. Fireworks Consumption Figures (2000 – 2023)

Fireworks consumption in the U.S. has risen dramatically between 2000 and 2023. This trend reflects the growing popularity of fireworks for personal celebrations beyond the Fourth of July, including New Year's Eve and other festive occasions. However, in 2023, fireworks consumption dropped to 273.6 million lbs, suggesting a shift back to pre-pandemic levels while still exhibiting steady growth compared to the early 2000s.

Trends in Consumer Fireworks Usage

Since the early 2000s, consumer fireworks usage has witnessed consistent growth. The years 2020–2022 marked a significant surge in consumption due to the pandemic, with figures soaring to 436.4 million lbs in 2022. However, in 2023, consumption declined to 246.5 million lbs.

U.S. Fireworks Industry Revenue Figures (2000 – 2023)

Riding the wave of rising fireworks consumption, the industry's revenue increased significantly between 2000 and 2023. This growth is reflected in both the consumer and display fireworks segments, although the consumer segment has seen the most significant increase. Consumer fireworks revenue surged from $407 million in 2000 to a staggering $2.2 billion in 2023.