For many people, the Fourth of July is a holiday filled with picnics, parades, family gatherings, and fireworks. According to the Minnesota State Fire Marshal's Office, in 2020, 78 people were treated at Minnesota hospitals for injuries caused by fireworks. Children between the ages 10 and 19 are the group most impacted by these injuries. Besides injuries, fireworks caused a total is $2.5 million in damage in June and July 2021. 

Over 20 years ago, Minnesota made it legal to use non-aerial and non-explosive fireworks, such as sparklers, fountains, and certain novelty items. Fireworks that leave the ground or explode are still illegal, so avoid the firecrackers, bottle rockets, sky lanterns, and mortars. 

Even with legal fireworks, there can still be serious consequences if you use them in prohibited areas, Consumer fireworks cannot be used on public property, including parks, schools, roads, and government property. Many people consider Minnesota legal fireworks "safe," but they still need to be used with caution. 

If you are going to celebrate with fireworks, make sure to follow these important safety tips:

• Store fireworks in a cool dry place. If fireworks get wet, do not try to dry them out and use them. 
• Choose a safe place. Stay away from buildings, trees, and grass. Look for areas that are hard and flat - like bare dirt, concrete, sand, or stone. For Minnesota legal fireworks, fire safety experts recommend viewers should be at least 35 feet away. 
• Keep a fire extinguisher, charger hose, or five-gallon bucket of water nearby in case of a fire. 
• Read and follow all instructions on each firework. 
• Pace yourself. Light and enjoy fireworks one at a time. 
• Keep fireworks away from your children. While it may be tempting to allow kids to use sparklers, these can burn at temperatures over 1200 degrees. Silly string, glowsticks, and lighted toys are some safer options. 
• Never try to relight a "dud." If a firework does not activate, allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water before disposing of it in the garbage. 
• Sober is safer. Drinking clouds judgement and slows reaction times; this can put you and your viewers at an increased risk. 
• Watch the weather. Dry, windy conditions and fireworks are a recipe for disaster. 
• To dispose of unused fireworks, soak them overnight in a bucket of water. Put the soaked fireworks into a sealed garbage bag to prevent them from drying out. Place them in the garbage can for collection with the rest of your household trash.