There's something magical about lighting a sparkler and drawing pictures in the air on a warm summer night. But that magic can turn into a trip to the emergency room if you aren't careful.

“Fireworks can be a lot of fun, but only if you remember they are also dangerous and take steps to keep your loved ones and property safe," said interim State Fire Marshal Amanda Swenson. “A sparkler can burn at 1,200 degrees. Think about that next time before you hand one to a kid."

Each year, our State Fire Marshal Division (SFMD) receives reports from Minnesota hospitals regarding people injured by fireworks. It is impossible to know how many people were injured and did not seek medical attention, but we know from reports that one teen died and 11 people were treated for injuries in 2022. We've also seen a substantial decrease in reports from hospitals since 2020 due to some changes in the reporting process.

In Minnesota, fireworks that explode or shoot into the air are illegal for use by the general public. Minnesotans can use wire or wood sparklers, fountain fireworks that sit on the ground, ground spinners or other similar fireworks.

There are also size limitations on fireworks packaging. Seventy-five grams per nonaerial firework or half of a kilogram or less per group of nonaerial​ fireworks are lawful for general public usage on private property. That means that firecrackers, parachutes, bottle rockets, roman candles, any kind of mines, shells or sky rockets are illegal without a certified operator permit. 

Even legal fireworks can be risky if used improperly. Sparklers, for instance, are often handed out to children, but some burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees. That's hot enough to melt some metals and can cause serious burns, especially if kids are running around barefoot and step on them. According to SFMD data, more than 30 percent of fireworks injuries are from sparklers.

In 2021, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that the parts of the body most often injured by fireworks were hands and fingers (an estimated 31 percent of injuries) along with head, face, and ears (an estimated 21 percent).

The damage isn't limited to people's health. The 96 fireworks-related incidents in 2022 caused more than $760,000 in losses in Minnesota, including a Byron fire that destroyed $425,000 worth of property. That fire started when fireworks were used, but not completely cooled before being thrown away.

If you are using fireworks, keep a bucket of water or garden hose handy. Extinguish and dispose of spent fireworks in the bucket and never try to relight a dud. Instead, soak it in water and dispose of it.

Always point fireworks away from people and animals. Use them away from trees and houses and don't use fireworks while intoxicated.

While consumer fireworks may seem safe and fun, it is far safer and more exciting to see any number of professional fireworks displays throughout the state of Minnesota.

Learn more about fire prevention on the SFMD website.