Staying safe during summer fireworks season

Summer is a season of hot weather, family gatherings and lots of swimming. It’s also the time of year when fireworks grab the attention of adults and children alike, sometimes with tragic consequences that include limb loss or death.

Every year, more than 14,000 people are treated for fireworks injuries, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. More than 50% of fireworks injuries impact people under the age of 20. Many of those injuries occur not from the initial lighting of fireworks, but from what happens after.

“During the summer, we see an increase in fireworks-related burns in adults and children because they approach, handle or attempt to relight a firework,” said Dr. Syed F. Saquib, a trauma surgeon and medical director of the UCI Health Regional Burn Center, the only one in Orange County verified by the American Burn Association for adult and pediatric care.

“It’s important that adults and kids alike understand that fireworks that look like a dud remain live, unstable and extremely dangerous. It’s not safe to pick them up.”

In 2025, the burn center saw 19 fireworks-related injuries, nine of which were to the eyes and face.

Last year, the program admitted 391 adults and 287 children, marking one of its busiest years. The burn center provides treatment for burns of all types, including but not limited to flame, scald, contact, hot pavement, electrical, chemical and friction burns. The team also treated hundreds of outpatients, including nearly 1,600 adults and almost 500 children.

Saquib answers some common questions about firework safety.

How can I keep my family safe from a firework injury?

“The best thing you can do to keep your family safe from fireworks injuries is to leave the show to the professionals,” Saquib advises. Adults and kids should stay a safe distance away, behind protective barriers, if possible.

What are the best firework alternatives?

Confetti poppers, bubbles or color streamers are several safe and fun fireworks alternatives that are great for all ages.

While sparklers are often perceived as “safe,” they, in fact, can heat to over 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is hotter than a blow torch.

“Children should never handle sparklers or fireworks, even if they seem safe. Accidents can happen,” says Saquib.

What should I do if I find an abandoned firework in the street or sidewalk?

“If it didn’t explode, don’t pick it up,” advises Saquib. That applies whether they are legal or not.

Contact local authorities to safely dispose of any used fireworks.

What should I do if a firework doesn’t ignite?

Fireworks can still be armed and dangerous even if they don’t ignite, called a dud. Never relight a spent or failed firework. Attempting to do so dramatically increases the risk of sudden, unexpected detonation at close range, leading to injury.

The safest response is to wait at least 20 minutes before approaching. When it’s safe, soak the firework in a bucket of water to neutralize it, then dispose of it properly in an outdoor trash receptacle.

What are some other top firework don’ts?

According to Saquib, top fireworks don’ts include:

• Don’t allow children to handle fireworks, including sparklers
• Don’t point or throw lit fireworks at anyone
• Don’t ever hold lit fireworks in your hand
• Don’t consume alcohol or drugs when lighting fireworks
• Don’t forget you can be held legally and financially liable for injuries caused by using fireworks

What should I do if someone is burned by a firework?

“The first thing you should do is run the burn under cool, not cold, water. This helps to stop the burning process,” says Saquib.

Remove all clothing and jewelry from the injured area. Cover the area with a dry, clean sheet or loose bandages. Then, seek immediate medical attention at the closest emergency room.

About the UCI Health Regional Burn Center

The UCI Health Regional Burn Center, located at UCI Health ― Orange, is nationally recognized for its innovative care programs, robust research, successful outcomes after severe burn injury and commitment to patients recovering from such injuries. It is also accredited by the American Burn Association for both adults and pediatric patients.

The team also cares for severe skin conditions, complex wounds and scar management. Plus, the program partners with leading clinical and scientific innovators on campus to provide the patients the most up-to-date treatments, such as laser therapy for burn scar management. A range of psychosocial programs aid survivors in their mental recovery from their injuries.

The UCI Health Regional Burn Center is also at the forefront of leading-edge therapies, such as using 3D printers to build prosthetics for patients to aid in their recovery and rehabilitation.
It also engages in clinical outcomes research with projects presented at national conferences and subsequently published in peer-reviewed journals.