ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. -- Booms, bangs and blasts are once again filling the evening air as folks across the country gear up to celebrate the Fourth of July.
Holiday activities are sure to ramp up over the coming days. This, of course, includes fireworks. Many across the nation will use rockets, cakes, spinners, firecrackers and other fireworks to celebrate Independence Day with sound and flair.
But it’s the potential flare that concerns Arnold Air Force Base Fire and Emergency Services officials. The department is urging those across the Arnold AFB-headquartered Arnold Engineering Development Complex planning to mark the patriotic occasion with their own pyrotechnic displays to use caution.
“We totally support the use of fireworks in a safe manner,” said Arnold FES Fire Prevention Officer Christian Lyle. “We want our AEDC community to use this time to celebrate our freedoms that they work so hard to support every day, but we highly stress that it is done in a safe environment so that they can come back to work and continue the mission.”
Fireworks are responsible for thousands of injuries and fires each year. According to the National Fire Protection Association, more than 31,000 fires were started by fireworks in 2022. These include an estimated 3,500 structure fires, nearly 900 vehicle fires and more than 26,000 outside fires, with the fireworks-related fires resulting in an estimated six civilian deaths, 44 civilian injuries and $109 million in direct property damage.
According to the NFPA, on a typical Independence Day, more fires are reported than any other day of the year. Approximately one-half of these fires are caused by fireworks.
Nearly 15,000 people were treated for fireworks-related injuries throughout 2024, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Last year, burns accounted for 37% of these injuries. CPSC statistics show 22% of the fireworks-related injuries suffered were to the head, face and ears, while 36% were to the hands and fingers.
These numbers are in line with statistics from recent years. Burns represented 38% of the 7,400 fireworks-related injuries treated in emergency rooms during the one-month period between June 17, 2022, and July 17, 2022, according to a previous CPSC report. More than half of these injuries were to the extremities, with around 29% being to the hands and fingers, around 19% to the legs, and approximately 5% to the arms. Approximately 35% of the fireworks-related injuries in 2022 were to the eyes or other parts of the head.
Children under the age of 15 accounted for 28% of the estimated 2022 injuries.
Arnold FES officials agree the safest way to enjoy fireworks on the Fourth of July is to attend a professional show.
“Professionally conducted shows are conducted by licensed pyrotechnicians who have the knowledge and experience to handle fireworks safely,” said Arnold FES Fire Prevention Inspector Guy Chastain. “Professional shows take place in controlled settings with strict protocols and safety measures in place to prevent accidents, allowing spectators to enjoy the display from a safe distance and to minimize the risk of injury associated with consumer fireworks.”
Those choosing to celebrate with their own fireworks displays should only light fireworks on smooth, flat surfaces well away from homes. They are also encouraged to have an extinguishing capability, such as a fire extinguisher or bucket of water, readily available.
Fireworks should not be lit near leaves, brush or in the middle of grassy areas, as dry vegetation can catch fire and spread. Fireworks should also not be used around flammable products such as gasoline or lighter fluid.
The Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office previously issued further guidance:
- Never allow children to handle or ignite fireworks.
- Fireworks warnings and instructions are read and followed.
- Other people are out of range before lighting fireworks. Never throw or point fireworks at people, homes or animals.
- Those lighting the fireworks never place any part of their bodies directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. People should back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
- Eye protection should be worn.
- Users should never attempt to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned.
The CPSC further recommends that individuals should never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
“Those planning to set off fireworks to mark the Fourth should first check to ensure there are no burn bans or restrictions in their area,” Lyle said. “Those unsure can contact their local police or fire department for more information.”
Explosive fireworks are not the only means revelers use to brighten their July 4 celebrations, as many seeking a quieter display or looking to involve children in the festivities will light sparklers. However, like other types of fireworks, the seemingly innocuous sparklers can pose dangers of their own. According to the NFPA, sparklers accounted for 29% of fireworks-related injuries for children under the age of 5 treated in emergency rooms in the month around July 4, 2022.
Sparklers burn at temperatures up to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, considerably higher than the temperatures at which water boils, wood burns and glass melts.
“Sparklers should be kept out of the hands of children and alternatives such as glow sticks, noise makers and silly string could be used instead to ensure a safer Independence Day celebration,” Lyle said.
For many, cookouts are also a big part of July 4 celebrations. Arnold FES officials urge those who coordinate culinary commemorations to keep safety at the forefront. They said grills should only be used outdoors and placed at least 25 feet from homes and other buildings.
Children and pets should be kept away from grills. The appropriate fuel should be used for charcoal grills, and the hose on propane grills should be checked for leaks before it is used for the first time each year.
Some Americans may also gather with friends or family around backyard fire pits to celebrate the Fourth of July. Fire pits should be built away from structures. Gasoline or other flammable or combustible liquids should not be used in a fire pit, and a fire extinguisher should be kept at the ready.
The Arnold FES team wants everyone to enjoy their Fourth of July holiday and ask fellow Arnold team members that, no matter how they choose to celebrate the nation’s freedom, they do so with safety in mind.
“We want to remind everyone to stay safe with July 4 celebrations and to come back supporting the mission,” Lyle said. “Everyone assigned to AEDC is vital to supporting the warfighter.”
For additional information, contact the Arnold FES Fire Prevention Office at 931-454-5569 or 931-454-5306.