California fireworks warehouse explosion causes fire
See the moment pyrotechnics and debris are sent flying into the air in Northern California after a warehouse explosion.
- State laws regulating fireworks sales vary, with age restrictions ranging from 12 to 21.
- Only Massachusetts completely bans consumer firework use and possession.
- The CPSC reported a significant increase in fireworks-related deaths and injuries in 2024, urging safety precautions.
The July 4th holiday is typically a time for family gatherings, barbecues, and of course, fireworks. While many cities and towns, big and small, celebrate Independence Day with high-profile pyrotechnics, Americans also have a long-standing tradition of buying their own fireworks.
Unlike professional fireworks, which are regulated by the federal government, individual states set the rules for purchasing and using consumer fireworks. These rules include determining the minimum age, which ranges from 12 to 21 years old.
What to know about buying legal personal fireworks, and at what age?
How old do you have to be to buy fireworks?
Only two states, Maine and New Hampshire, require buyers of fireworks to be 21 years of age or older, according to the American Pyrotechnics Association.
But in most states, the age requirement to purchase fireworks is 18. This includes: Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Montana, New York, Ohio, South Dakota, Virginia, West Virginia and Vermont.
Seventeen states, however, do allow 16-year-olds to purchase fireworks: Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Louisiana, Michigan, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Washington.
The minimum age to buy fireworks in Missouri is 14, and in four states: Arkansas, Mississippi, North Dakota and Oklahoma, 12-year-olds are allowed to purchase fireworks.
Nevada, Pennsylvania, Washington, DC, Wisconsin and Wyoming have no age restrictions, but local ordinances usually require that an adult (over 18) be present.
Which state has banned fireworks?
Since 1943, Massachusetts has banned the possession, use, and sale of fireworks by individuals without a license. The state’s regulations only allow fireworks at public, permitted events. Also, the law prohibits fireworks bought and transported from other states to Massachusetts.
Any safety tips for handling fireworks?
In 2024, there were 11 fireworks-related deaths, mainly due to misuse and malfunctions, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Injuries rose sharply to an estimated 14,700, a 38% increase in deaths and 52% in injuries compared to 2023. About 1,700 of these injuries involved sparklers and required emergency room treatment.
“Behind these numbers are real people, real families — and often, preventable incidents,” said CPSC Acting Chairman Peter Feldman in a June 25 statement. “Fireworks injuries don’t just happen on the Fourth of July. We urge everyone to celebrate responsibly — because safety must always come first.”
- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers.
- Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap.
- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area, and only purchase and set off fireworks that are labeled for consumer (not professional) use.
- Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
- Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
- Follow all instructions and warnings on fireworks and never hold devices while lit unless instructions specify to do so.
