As Independence Day approaches, many of us are looking forward to fireworks displays, cookouts, parades, and time with family and friends. Fireworks may be a holiday tradition, but they are also explosive devices that can cause serious injuries when used improperly.
The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a permitted public display conducted by licensed professionals. Before celebrating, it’s important to understand the risks, follow Connecticut law, and take simple steps to protect children, pets, neighbors, and yourself.
Fireworks Can Cause Serious Injuries
Each year, thousands of people across the United States are treated in emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries. These injuries can include burns, eye injuries, hand and finger injuries, hearing damage, and trauma to the head or face.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2025:
- 13,004 estimated fireworks-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments.
- 24 non-occupational fireworks-related fatalities were reported.
- 9,209 injuries, or 71%, occurred during the one-month period from June 15 to July 15, 2025.
- 35% of injuries involved the fingers and hands; another 30% involved the face, nose, mouth, eyes, and ears.
- Thermal burns were the leading diagnosis, accounting for more than one-third of injuries.
Sparklers are often viewed as a safer option, but they burn at extremely high temperatures and can cause serious burns, especially among children. Young children should not handle sparklers or other pyrotechnic devices.
Know Connecticut’s Fireworks Laws
In Connecticut, fireworks are not legal for use by non-professional, non-licensed individuals, with limited exceptions. Firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, aerial fireworks, and similar devices are illegal for personal use.
Connecticut allows certain sparklers and fountains, but they may not be sold to or used by anyone younger than 16. Even when a device is legal, it can still be dangerous and should be handled only by responsible adults in a safe outdoor area.
If you are unsure whether an item is legal, do not use it. Buying fireworks in another state does not make them legal to possess or use in Connecticut.
The Safest Choice: Attend a Public Display
Public fireworks displays are planned and conducted by trained, licensed professionals with safety protocols in place. Attending a permitted public display reduces the risk of injury and helps keep celebrations safe for everyone.
When attending a public fireworks display:
- Follow all instructions from event organizers, police, fire officials, and posted signs.
- Stay within designated viewing areas.
- Keep children close and supervised at all times.
- Do not cross safety barriers or enter restricted areas.
- Protect your hearing, especially for young children or anyone who is sensitive to loud noise.
- Keep pets at home in a quiet, secure space, as fireworks can cause fear and stress.
If You Use Legal Sparklers or Fountains
If adults choose to use legal sparklers or fountains, safety precautions are essential:
- Use them only outdoors and away from people, pets, homes, vehicles, dry grass, and flammable materials.
- Keep a bucket of water nearby for used items.
- Never allow young children to handle sparklers.
- Do not hold multiple sparklers at once.
- Never point or throw any device at another person.
- Do not try to relight a device that does not work.
- Place spent items in water before throwing them away.
If a burn, eye injury, fire, or other emergency occurs, call 911 right away.
Be Considerate of Neighbors, Veterans, Pets, and Wildlife
Fireworks can be especially difficult for people with sensory sensitivities, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, or certain medical conditions. They can also frighten pets, livestock, and wildlife.
A safer and more considerate celebration may include attending a professional display, using glow sticks or LED toys, hosting a daytime gathering, or choosing quieter holiday activities.
Concerned About a Fireworks Display?
If you have concerns about a fireworks display in your area, contact your local fire department, fire marshal, or law enforcement agency. They can help confirm whether a display has the required permits and safety measures in place.
Celebrate Safely
Independence Day should be memorable for the right reasons. By leaving fireworks to licensed professionals, following Connecticut law, supervising children, and being mindful of neighbors and pets, we can all help make the holiday safer for our communities.
This Fourth of July, enjoy the celebration — and leave the fireworks to the professionals.