Fireworks have been integral components of celebrations for centuries. These pyrotechnics originated in ancient China, with their earliest forms thought to be made from bamboo stalks thrown into a fire. Fireworks ultimately evolved into gunpowder-filled paper tubes. Modern fireworks still largely use traditional gunpowder as well as additional ingredients like aluminum and iron to create flashes, bangs, and sparks. Additional elements are blended to create the colors that make for vivid fireworks displays.

Fireworks can be a wonder to behold, but there is no denying that shooting them off can be dangerous business. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that eight deaths and an estimated 9,700 injuries involving fireworks occurred in 2023. Of the eight deaths, five were associated with the misuse of fireworks and two with a device malfunction. Fireworks injuries increased between 2008 and 2023, which underscores the importance of fireworks safety.

To celebrate safely, the CPSC urges consumers to follow these tips:

• Make sure fireworks are legal where you live and only purchase and set off those that are labeled for consumer use.
• Never purchase fireworks that are designed for professionals.
• Children should not be allowed to play with or ignite fireworks. This includes sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures that can reach or exceed 2,000°F, which is hot enough to melt some metals.
• Stay sober when using fireworks. Alcohol or drug impairment can cause people to act recklessly and make mistakes when handling fireworks.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of fire or another mishap.
• Only light one firework at a time, then move away from it quickly.
• Soak malfunctioning fireworks in water. Do not try to relight them.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a firework when lighting the fuse.
• Never point or throw fireworks at anyone.
• Douse spent fireworks with water before tossing them in the trash.

Sparkler Safety Tips:

• Use only ONE at a time.
• Keep them at arm’s length from the body, and certainly keep them far from the face
• Many burns come from stepping on a still-hot burned-out sparkler. Be sure to pour water over extinguished sparklers to avoid burns.
• Do not throw sparklers.
• Do not let little ones hold them unsupervised.

Spectators should remain at a distance from any fireworks being ignited. Fireworks should be lit away from buildings or trees. Many times, it is safer to let professionals handle the fireworks since they are trained in the proper safety precautions.

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A reminder that illegal fireworks can look very similar to legal fireworks. If they do not have the California State Marshal Safe and Sane seal on them, the fireworks are illegal.

For more information on your area, please visit: YouLightItWeWriteIt.com

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Please do NOT call 9-1-1 to report illegal fireworks. This number is to be used in emergencies only!

If you observe the sale, use, or storage of illegal fireworks, use the Illegal Fireworks Reporter at www.youlightitwewriteit.com or call: 

• Bakersfield Police Department--661-327-7111
• Delano Police Department--661-721-3377
• Arvin Police Department--661-854-5583
• McFarland Police Department--661-792-2121
• Shafter Police Department--661-746-8500
• Taft Police Department--661-763-3101

CALL 911 FOR EMERGENCIES ONLY!