By Austin Kurisu edited by Ken Duffy
FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – With the July 4th celebrations only a day away firework sales around the country are skyrocketing. First responders are reminding those celebrating to take the proper precautions to avoid an unwanted tragedy.
According to the United States Consumer Safety Commission, roughly 14,700 people were treated in emergency rooms due to firework related injuries in 2024. This is an increase of roughly 52% compared to 2023.
It is important to have a trusted adult in the area while lighting off any firework.
“Make sure that the individual lighting the firework off is somebody at least 12 years of age or older and always have a responsible adult nearby,” said Travis Olson, a Community Risk Reduction Officer at the West Fargo Fire Department.
It is also important to properly secure any pets in the area and to notify any neighbors that you are lighting off fireworks.
“We do have veterans and people like that who might not have a good experience with loud noises,” Olson said. “So just be conscious of them and being a good neighbor is always a first priority in our community.”
It is also important to have water nearby to dowse the firework after it has finished to avoid it reigniting.
“Our biggest causes for calls are the fireworks reigniting, people will generally take them and put them in the garbage not knowing that if you don’t soak them in a bucket of water that hot ember may still be in that cardboard container,” Olson said.
It is also advised to never mix drinking alcohol and lighting off fireworks.
Fargo bans the lighting of fireworks within city limits, while Minnesota outlaws aerial fireworks statewide.
