Fourth of July weekend brings high chance for firework-related injuries

Essentia Health doctor shares what to be cautious of when handling a firework

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — As the Fourth of July weekend approaches, there is a much higher chance of fireworks-related injuries.

Already this year, a 33-year-old man in Iowa was killed while shooting off fireworks.

In 2024, nearly 15,000 people in the U.S. were treated for fireworks-related injuries in the E.R

Adults between the ages of 25 to 44 were reported to have the most injuries.

The most common have been burns, hand injuries, and eye injuries.

Other common injuries have come from the use of sparklers.

“Fireworks should only be handled how they’re meant to be. Light one at a time. If it doesn’t go off, douse it with water, don’t try to relight it. That’s something we see too: fireworks that have a delayed fuse, didn’t go off, somebody goes to pick it up and then it explodes,” said Dr. Josh Honeyman, Emergency Physician at Essentia.

If you receive any burns, ice the area and visit your local clinic.