Sizzling Facts about Fireworks

July 4th in South Carolina Brings Fun and Fireworks

Fireworks and sparklers are a traditional staple of the 4th of July. It would be hard to imagine a July 4th celebration without them. Fireworks are not just used for American celebrations but are used all over the world. 

Yet with the use of fireworks comes the risk of injury. Fireworks-related injuries are most common around holidays like the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Health.

Types of Fireworks

As fireworks were developed over the centuries, they fell into several categories, or classifications, of use. Consumer Fireworks (Class C fireworks) are fireworks that can be bought at stores for the public to use. Display Fireworks (Class B fireworks) are the types of fireworks used in large displays and fireworks shows that are not available to the public for purchase and are only operated by licensed professionals. 

Despite warnings and instructions plastered on Class C fireworks and restrictions on the use of Class B fireworks by licensed professionals, thousands of people each year are injured by both types of fireworks. Fireworks injuries increase around the Fourth of July each year, rising about 12 percent in South Carolina.

South Carolina Fireworks Statistics

Fireworks injuries are most common around the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve, according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC). 

Recent statistics from SCDHEC reveal the following facts about fireworks injuries. In just one year:

• 182 people suffered non-fatal injuries, including serious burns, severe bruises, and other forms of severe harm.
• 177 people needed emergency room treatment for their injuries.
• Five people were admitted to the hospital for treatment of fireworks-related injuries.

According to Allegiant Fire Protection, fireworks injuries increased by over 12 percent in South Carolina during the Fourth of July fireworks season. While this increase isn’t as high as those seen in other states, it indicates that South Carolina residents and businesses can do more to take care to avoid injuring others with fireworks. 

Data collected for 2023 and 2024 revealed a troubling trend in South Carolina:

• 9,700 emergency room visits were recorded for fireworks-related injuries in 2023.
• 8 deaths were reported statewide as a direct result of fireworks incidents.
• 66 percent of all reported injuries occurred within four weeks surrounding July 4th.
• 42 percent of all cases treated involved burn injuries, most commonly affecting the hands, fingers, head, face, legs, and eyes.

These numbers confirm that fireworks injuries remain a significant seasonal public health concern across the state. Although recent totals are higher, these past figures help illustrate how the number of fireworks injuries has been steadily increasing over time.

South Carolina Fireworks Spending Continues to Climb

Fireworks remain a popular purchase among South Carolina residents, especially during summer and winter holidays. This strong demand has led to consistently high spending on consumer fireworks.

• Across the country in 2023, approximately $396 million worth of fireworks were imported;
• In 2024, South Carolina imported approximately $19,953,334 worth of fireworks, equivalent to about $3.71 per resident; and
• This places South Carolina among the top 10 states in the U.S. for fireworks spending per capita.

These numbers make it clear that fireworks are not just a seasonal tradition; they are a growing industry in South Carolina, and with growth comes added safety concerns.

Common Injury Patterns In Fireworks Accidents

Despite public education efforts, fireworks-related injuries in the United States continue to follow the same dangerous patterns year after year. The most recent national data confirms that these injuries remain highly predictable and concentrated around the Fourth of July.

• Burns were the most common injury in 2024, accounting for 37% of all emergency room-treated cases;
• Hands and fingers were the most frequently injured body parts, involved in 36% of cases;
• Head, face, and ear injuries made up 22% of injuries; and
• An estimated 72% of all fireworks-related injuries occurred between June 16th and July 16th, 2024.

These numbers reflect the consistent impact of certain types of injuries and body areas each year. They also reinforce the importance of targeted safety education and adult supervision during peak celebration periods.

National Data Reinforce Safety Risks

South Carolina remains one of the top states for fireworks spending, but recent national data highlights the growing danger associated with fireworks use across the country. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released its latest figures on June 25, 2025, showing a troubling rise in injuries and deaths tied to fireworks.

• In 2024, an estimated 14,700 people nationwide were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries;
• At least 11 deaths were confirmed in connection with fireworks incidents, many involving misuse or device malfunction; and
• Sparklers alone accounted for approximately 1,700 emergency room visits.

Such data reflect a nationwide public safety concern that extends well beyond South Carolina.

Safety Measures for Fireworks

Given the growing number of fireworks-related injuries each year, here are some safety precautions you can take to ensure you are not among the injured.

• Never allow children to operate and use fireworks or sparklers without parental supervision.
• Keep a hose or a bucket of water close by in case of a fire or other accident.
• Set fireworks off one at a time and maintain a safe distance away from the fireworks.
• Never point or throw fireworks or sparklers at someone else.
• After using the fireworks, soak them in water before throwing them away to prevent any trash fires.
• Never use fireworks while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Whether you are setting off your own fireworks, twirling around sparklers with friends, or watching a fireworks show, injuries can happen to anyone at any time. Stay alert during your 4th of July festivities, and use caution when dealing with fireworks. If you or a loved one is injured by fireworks, call our personal injury attorneys to schedule a free consultation. We have three office locations in North Charleston, Goose Creek, and Summerville. To learn more, visit steinberglawfirm.com or call us at (843) 720-2800.