06/07/2026
As we head into the summer season, just a reminder that the use and possession of fireworks is illegal in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
- Fireworks started an estimated 32,302 fires in 2023, including 3,760 structure fires, 849 vehicle fires, 27,252 outside fires, and 441 unclassified fires. These fires caused an estimated 15 civilian deaths, 58 civilian injuries and $142 million in direct property damage. (Note: Totals may not equal sums because of rounding error.)
- In 2023, U.S hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,700 people for fireworks related injuries; a 1-month special study period between June 16, 2023 and July 16, 2023 found that nearly half of the fireworks-related injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments were to the extremities (35% hands and fingers, 8% legs, 5% arms) and 22% were to the head, face, and ears.
- Only 11% of the fireworks fires were structure fires but these incidents accounted for 77% of the civilian deaths, 83% of the civilian injuries, and 88% of the direct property damage.
- Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for 32% of the estimated 2023 injuries.
Fireworks: NFPA. nfpa.org. (n.d.). https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/fireworks
