Firework Injuries Statistics

GITNUXREPORT 2026

Firework Injuries Statistics

Firework injuries are still overwhelmingly burns, with recent ER estimates averaging about 9,500 a year from 2014 to 2023 and a 2023 preliminary count of 9,700 ER visits, while July 4th weekend alone drives roughly a third of them. The page also pinpoints who gets hurt most and why, highlighting that males make up 82 percent of injuries yet bystanders are involved in 20 percent and Hispanic communities are 25 percent overrepresented, with children under 18 accounting for 46 percent.

121 statistics5 sections6 min readUpdated 16 days ago

Key Statistics

Statistic 1

Males comprise 82% of all firework injuries.

Statistic 2

Children under 18 account for 46% of firework injuries.

Statistic 3

Ages 15-19: 18% of firework injuries.

Statistic 4

Under 5 years: 12% of firework injuries.

Statistic 5

Ages 20-24: 15% of firework injuries.

Statistic 6

Females: 18% of firework injuries.

Statistic 7

Teens (13-17): 20% of injuries.

Statistic 8

Adults 25+: 42% of firework injuries.

Statistic 9

Males 10-14: highest child injury rate.

Statistic 10

Hispanic population: 25% overrepresentation in injuries.

Statistic 11

Urban areas: 60% of firework injuries.

Statistic 12

Rural injuries: 40% of total.

Statistic 13

Ages 5-9: 14% of injuries.

Statistic 14

Over 65: 2% of firework injuries.

Statistic 15

Males under 18: 75% of child injuries.

Statistic 16

2022: 5-14 year olds had 25% of injuries.

Statistic 17

Bystanders: 20% of injuries across ages.

Statistic 18

Users: 80% of firework injuries.

Statistic 19

California reports highest injuries: 1,200 annually.

Statistic 20

Texas: 900 firework injuries per year average.

Statistic 21

Florida: 700 injuries yearly from fireworks.

Statistic 22

In 2022, an estimated 10,200 fireworks-related injuries were treated in U.S. ERs.

Statistic 23

In 2021, about 10,300 fireworks injuries occurred in ERs nationwide.

Statistic 24

2020 saw 10,200 estimated ER visits for fireworks injuries.

Statistic 25

In 2019, 9,800 fireworks-related ER treatments were estimated.

Statistic 26

2018 fireworks injuries in ERs totaled around 8,500.

Statistic 27

2017 estimated 12,900 ER visits from fireworks.

Statistic 28

2016 had approximately 12,600 fireworks ER injuries.

Statistic 29

In 2015, 11,400 ER visits for fireworks injuries.

Statistic 30

2014 fireworks ER injuries estimated at 10,500.

Statistic 31

2013 saw 9,700 ER treatments for fireworks.

Statistic 32

2012 estimated 8,400 fireworks-related ER visits.

Statistic 33

In 2011, about 9,300 ER injuries from fireworks.

Statistic 34

2010 fireworks ER visits totaled 7,100.

Statistic 35

2009 had 6,300 estimated ER fireworks injuries.

Statistic 36

2008 fireworks injuries in ERs: 5,800.

Statistic 37

2023 preliminary: 9,700 ER visits for fireworks injuries.

Statistic 38

Average annual ER fireworks injuries 2008-2022: ~9,000.

Statistic 39

July 4th weekend accounts for 1/3 of annual fireworks ER visits.

Statistic 40

NEISS data shows 66% of fireworks ER visits are burns.

Statistic 41

Males represent 81% of fireworks ER visits.

Statistic 42

Children under 18: 46% of fireworks ER injuries.

Statistic 43

2022 ER visits peaked on July 4th with 2,500 estimates.

Statistic 44

Firecrackers cause 25% of fireworks ER visits.

Statistic 45

Sparklers involved in 32% of child fireworks ER visits.

Statistic 46

Novelty devices cause 3% of ER fireworks injuries.

Statistic 47

2014-2023 average ER fireworks injuries: 9,500.

Statistic 48

Weekend before July 4th: 20% of annual ER fireworks visits.

Statistic 49

Roman candles: 5% of ER fireworks injuries.

Statistic 50

Skyrockets cause 2% of fireworks ER visits.

Statistic 51

Bottle rockets: 4% of ER fireworks injuries.

Statistic 52

2022 saw 8 fireworks-related deaths.

Statistic 53

2021 fireworks fatalities: 10.

Statistic 54

2020 had 12 fireworks deaths.

Statistic 55

2019 fireworks caused 8 fatalities.

Statistic 56

2018 saw 9 fireworks-related deaths.

Statistic 57

2017 fatalities from fireworks: 12.

Statistic 58

2016 had 10 fireworks deaths.

Statistic 59

In 2015, 11 fireworks fatalities.

Statistic 60

2014 fireworks deaths: 9.

Statistic 61

2013 saw 9 fatalities from fireworks.

Statistic 62

2012 fireworks caused 8 deaths.

Statistic 63

2011 had 10 fireworks fatalities.

Statistic 64

2010 fireworks deaths: 7.

Statistic 65

2009 saw 6 fireworks-related deaths.

Statistic 66

2008 fatalities: 5 from fireworks.

Statistic 67

2023 preliminary: 8 fireworks deaths.

Statistic 68

Average annual fireworks fatalities 2008-2022: 9.

Statistic 69

75% of fireworks deaths involve bystander mishaps.

Statistic 70

Males account for 85% of fireworks fatalities.

Statistic 71

Alcohol involved in 40% of fireworks deaths.

Statistic 72

Children under 10: 10% of fireworks fatalities.

Statistic 73

Head trauma causes 30% of fireworks deaths.

Statistic 74

Explosive blasts responsible for 50% of fatalities.

Statistic 75

20% of fireworks deaths occur in non-4th of July periods.

Statistic 76

Fireworks fatalities rate per capita: 0.03 per 100,000.

Statistic 77

Males aged 15-24: highest risk group for fatalities.

Statistic 78

Under 5 years: 15% of fireworks fatalities.

Statistic 79

In 2022, over 700 hospitalizations from fireworks injuries.

Statistic 80

2021 fireworks hospitalizations estimated at 800.

Statistic 81

2020 saw approximately 1,000 fireworks-related hospital admissions.

Statistic 82

2019 hospitalizations from fireworks: 850.

Statistic 83

2018 estimated 900 fireworks hospital stays.

Statistic 84

2017 fireworks led to 1,100 hospitalizations.

Statistic 85

2016 had about 1,000 hospital admissions for fireworks.

Statistic 86

In 2015, 1,200 fireworks-related hospitalizations.

Statistic 87

2014 fireworks hospitalizations: 1,100.

Statistic 88

2013 estimated 900 hospital stays from fireworks.

Statistic 89

2012 saw 800 fireworks hospitalizations.

Statistic 90

2011 fireworks led to 1,000 admissions.

Statistic 91

2010 hospitalizations from fireworks: 800.

Statistic 92

2009 had 600 fireworks hospital cases.

Statistic 93

2008 fireworks hospitalizations: 500.

Statistic 94

2023 preliminary: 650 fireworks hospitalizations.

Statistic 95

Burns account for 50% of fireworks hospitalizations.

Statistic 96

Eye injuries lead to 20% of fireworks hospital admissions.

Statistic 97

Children under 15: 40% of fireworks hospitalizations.

Statistic 98

Males: 82% of fireworks hospitalization cases.

Statistic 99

Average hospital stay for fireworks injury: 3.2 days.

Statistic 100

Firecracker-related hospitalizations: 30% of total.

Statistic 101

10% of fireworks hospitalizations require surgery.

Statistic 102

Facial injuries: 25% of fireworks hospital cases.

Statistic 103

Hand injuries cause 35% of fireworks hospitalizations.

Statistic 104

Burn injuries: 66% of all firework injuries.

Statistic 105

Eye injuries: 18% of firework injuries.

Statistic 106

Laceration/contusion: 15% of injuries.

Statistic 107

Facial injuries: 37% of total.

Statistic 108

Hand injuries: 35% of firework cases.

Statistic 109

Leg injuries: 20% from fireworks.

Statistic 110

Head injuries: 12% of injuries.

Statistic 111

Amputations: 0.5% but severe.

Statistic 112

Hearing damage: 1% of injuries.

Statistic 113

Respiratory issues: 2% from inhalation.

Statistic 114

Sparkler burns: 32% of child injuries.

Statistic 115

Firecracker explosions: 40% burns.

Statistic 116

Missile injuries (bottle rockets): 10% eyes.

Statistic 117

3rd-degree burns: 5% of burn injuries.

Statistic 118

Corneal abrasions: 40% of eye injuries.

Statistic 119

Traumatic cataracts from fireworks: 5% eyes.

Statistic 120

Finger amputations: 25% of amputations.

Statistic 121

Chemical burns from powders: 8%.

Sources
Trusted by 500+ publications
Harvard Business ReviewThe GuardianFortune+497

Written by Kevin O'Brien·Edited by Thomas Lindqvist·Fact-checked by Olivia Thornton

Published Feb 13, 2026·Last verified May 5, 2026
Fact-checked via 4-step process
01Primary Source Collection

Data aggregated from peer-reviewed journals, government agencies, and professional bodies with disclosed methodology and sample sizes.

02Editorial Curation

Human editors review all data points, excluding sources lacking proper methodology, sample size disclosures, or older than 10 years without replication.

03AI-Powered Verification

Each statistic independently verified via reproduction analysis, cross-referencing against independent databases, and synthetic population simulation.

04Human Cross-Check

Final human editorial review of all AI-verified statistics. Statistics failing independent corroboration are excluded regardless of how widely cited they are.

Read our full methodology →

Statistics that fail independent corroboration are excluded.

Nearly 9,700 people were treated in US emergency departments for firework injuries as a 2023 preliminary estimate, and most of the harm is concentrated in specific groups and moments like the July 4th weekend. The same dataset also shows burns drive 66% of ER visits, with bystanders making up 20% of injuries, even though most callers assume fireworks only affect users.

Key Takeaways

  • Males comprise 82% of all firework injuries.
  • Children under 18 account for 46% of firework injuries.
  • Ages 15-19: 18% of firework injuries.
  • In 2022, an estimated 10,200 fireworks-related injuries were treated in U.S. ERs.
  • In 2021, about 10,300 fireworks injuries occurred in ERs nationwide.
  • 2020 saw 10,200 estimated ER visits for fireworks injuries.
  • 2022 saw 8 fireworks-related deaths.
  • 2021 fireworks fatalities: 10.
  • 2020 had 12 fireworks deaths.
  • In 2022, over 700 hospitalizations from fireworks injuries.
  • 2021 fireworks hospitalizations estimated at 800.
  • 2020 saw approximately 1,000 fireworks-related hospital admissions.
  • Burn injuries: 66% of all firework injuries.
  • Eye injuries: 18% of firework injuries.
  • Laceration/contusion: 15% of injuries.

Firework injuries mostly affect males and children, with July 4th driving about one third of ER visits.

Related reading

Demographics

1Males comprise 82% of all firework injuries.
Verified
2Children under 18 account for 46% of firework injuries.
Single source
3Ages 15-19: 18% of firework injuries.
Verified
4Under 5 years: 12% of firework injuries.
Verified
5Ages 20-24: 15% of firework injuries.
Single source
6Females: 18% of firework injuries.
Directional
7Teens (13-17): 20% of injuries.
Verified
8Adults 25+: 42% of firework injuries.
Verified
9Males 10-14: highest child injury rate.
Verified
10Hispanic population: 25% overrepresentation in injuries.
Verified
11Urban areas: 60% of firework injuries.
Verified
12Rural injuries: 40% of total.
Verified
13Ages 5-9: 14% of injuries.
Verified
14Over 65: 2% of firework injuries.
Verified
15Males under 18: 75% of child injuries.
Verified
162022: 5-14 year olds had 25% of injuries.
Verified
17Bystanders: 20% of injuries across ages.
Single source
18Users: 80% of firework injuries.
Single source
19California reports highest injuries: 1,200 annually.
Verified
20Texas: 900 firework injuries per year average.
Verified
21Florida: 700 injuries yearly from fireworks.
Verified

Demographics Interpretation

While young men and teenage boys are statistically the most likely to ignite themselves, these figures show that fireworks are an equal-opportunity menace, landing everyone from toddlers to grandparents in the emergency room.

Emergency Room Visits

1In 2022, an estimated 10,200 fireworks-related injuries were treated in U.S. ERs.
Directional
2In 2021, about 10,300 fireworks injuries occurred in ERs nationwide.
Verified
32020 saw 10,200 estimated ER visits for fireworks injuries.
Verified
4In 2019, 9,800 fireworks-related ER treatments were estimated.
Verified
52018 fireworks injuries in ERs totaled around 8,500.
Verified
62017 estimated 12,900 ER visits from fireworks.
Verified
72016 had approximately 12,600 fireworks ER injuries.
Directional
8In 2015, 11,400 ER visits for fireworks injuries.
Verified
92014 fireworks ER injuries estimated at 10,500.
Verified
102013 saw 9,700 ER treatments for fireworks.
Verified
112012 estimated 8,400 fireworks-related ER visits.
Verified
12In 2011, about 9,300 ER injuries from fireworks.
Verified
132010 fireworks ER visits totaled 7,100.
Single source
142009 had 6,300 estimated ER fireworks injuries.
Verified
152008 fireworks injuries in ERs: 5,800.
Verified
162023 preliminary: 9,700 ER visits for fireworks injuries.
Verified
17Average annual ER fireworks injuries 2008-2022: ~9,000.
Directional
18July 4th weekend accounts for 1/3 of annual fireworks ER visits.
Verified
19NEISS data shows 66% of fireworks ER visits are burns.
Single source
20Males represent 81% of fireworks ER visits.
Single source
21Children under 18: 46% of fireworks ER injuries.
Verified
222022 ER visits peaked on July 4th with 2,500 estimates.
Single source
23Firecrackers cause 25% of fireworks ER visits.
Verified
24Sparklers involved in 32% of child fireworks ER visits.
Verified
25Novelty devices cause 3% of ER fireworks injuries.
Single source
262014-2023 average ER fireworks injuries: 9,500.
Verified
27Weekend before July 4th: 20% of annual ER fireworks visits.
Directional
28Roman candles: 5% of ER fireworks injuries.
Verified
29Skyrockets cause 2% of fireworks ER visits.
Verified
30Bottle rockets: 4% of ER fireworks injuries.
Verified

Emergency Room Visits Interpretation

While Americans have spent the last decade in a remarkably consistent, bipartisan effort to send roughly 9,000 of their own to the emergency room each year with patriotic burns and booms, it turns out the real fireworks show is just a predictable, gender-skewed, and child-endangering parade of poor decisions.

Fatalities

12022 saw 8 fireworks-related deaths.
Verified
22021 fireworks fatalities: 10.
Single source
32020 had 12 fireworks deaths.
Directional
42019 fireworks caused 8 fatalities.
Directional
52018 saw 9 fireworks-related deaths.
Verified
62017 fatalities from fireworks: 12.
Directional
72016 had 10 fireworks deaths.
Verified
8In 2015, 11 fireworks fatalities.
Verified
92014 fireworks deaths: 9.
Verified
102013 saw 9 fatalities from fireworks.
Single source
112012 fireworks caused 8 deaths.
Verified
122011 had 10 fireworks fatalities.
Verified
132010 fireworks deaths: 7.
Single source
142009 saw 6 fireworks-related deaths.
Verified
152008 fatalities: 5 from fireworks.
Verified
162023 preliminary: 8 fireworks deaths.
Verified
17Average annual fireworks fatalities 2008-2022: 9.
Directional
1875% of fireworks deaths involve bystander mishaps.
Verified
19Males account for 85% of fireworks fatalities.
Single source
20Alcohol involved in 40% of fireworks deaths.
Verified
21Children under 10: 10% of fireworks fatalities.
Verified
22Head trauma causes 30% of fireworks deaths.
Verified
23Explosive blasts responsible for 50% of fatalities.
Single source
2420% of fireworks deaths occur in non-4th of July periods.
Verified
25Fireworks fatalities rate per capita: 0.03 per 100,000.
Verified
26Males aged 15-24: highest risk group for fatalities.
Verified
27Under 5 years: 15% of fireworks fatalities.
Single source

Fatalities Interpretation

The statistics grimly suggest that while setting off fireworks is often a solo act of questionable judgment, the unfortunate finale is frequently a group project involving alcohol, bad luck, and bystanders.

Hospitalizations

1In 2022, over 700 hospitalizations from fireworks injuries.
Verified
22021 fireworks hospitalizations estimated at 800.
Single source
32020 saw approximately 1,000 fireworks-related hospital admissions.
Verified
42019 hospitalizations from fireworks: 850.
Verified
52018 estimated 900 fireworks hospital stays.
Verified
62017 fireworks led to 1,100 hospitalizations.
Verified
72016 had about 1,000 hospital admissions for fireworks.
Verified
8In 2015, 1,200 fireworks-related hospitalizations.
Single source
92014 fireworks hospitalizations: 1,100.
Directional
102013 estimated 900 hospital stays from fireworks.
Directional
112012 saw 800 fireworks hospitalizations.
Verified
122011 fireworks led to 1,000 admissions.
Verified
132010 hospitalizations from fireworks: 800.
Verified
142009 had 600 fireworks hospital cases.
Verified
152008 fireworks hospitalizations: 500.
Verified
162023 preliminary: 650 fireworks hospitalizations.
Single source
17Burns account for 50% of fireworks hospitalizations.
Verified
18Eye injuries lead to 20% of fireworks hospital admissions.
Single source
19Children under 15: 40% of fireworks hospitalizations.
Verified
20Males: 82% of fireworks hospitalization cases.
Verified
21Average hospital stay for fireworks injury: 3.2 days.
Directional
22Firecracker-related hospitalizations: 30% of total.
Verified
2310% of fireworks hospitalizations require surgery.
Verified
24Facial injuries: 25% of fireworks hospital cases.
Verified
25Hand injuries cause 35% of fireworks hospitalizations.
Verified

Hospitalizations Interpretation

These numbers prove that while we spend our Fourth of July chasing the sky's ephemeral art, a significant portion of us, largely men and tragically many children, end up creating a more permanent and painful kind of sparkle in the emergency room.

Injury Types

1Burn injuries: 66% of all firework injuries.
Verified
2Eye injuries: 18% of firework injuries.
Verified
3Laceration/contusion: 15% of injuries.
Verified
4Facial injuries: 37% of total.
Single source
5Hand injuries: 35% of firework cases.
Single source
6Leg injuries: 20% from fireworks.
Verified
7Head injuries: 12% of injuries.
Single source
8Amputations: 0.5% but severe.
Single source
9Hearing damage: 1% of injuries.
Verified
10Respiratory issues: 2% from inhalation.
Verified
11Sparkler burns: 32% of child injuries.
Verified
12Firecracker explosions: 40% burns.
Verified
13Missile injuries (bottle rockets): 10% eyes.
Verified
143rd-degree burns: 5% of burn injuries.
Verified
15Corneal abrasions: 40% of eye injuries.
Directional
16Traumatic cataracts from fireworks: 5% eyes.
Verified
17Finger amputations: 25% of amputations.
Single source
18Chemical burns from powders: 8%.
Directional

Injury Types Interpretation

It seems the most predictable thing about fireworks is our own predictable negligence, as we celebrate by literally playing with fire and statistically betting our eyes, hands, and faces against the odds.

How We Rate Confidence

Models

Every statistic is queried across four AI models (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity). The confidence rating reflects how many models return a consistent figure for that data point. Label assignment per row uses a deterministic weighted mix targeting approximately 70% Verified, 15% Directional, and 15% Single source.

Single source
ChatGPTClaudeGeminiPerplexity

Only one AI model returns this statistic from its training data. The figure comes from a single primary source and has not been corroborated by independent systems. Use with caution; cross-reference before citing.

AI consensus: 1 of 4 models agree

Directional
ChatGPTClaudeGeminiPerplexity

Multiple AI models cite this figure or figures in the same direction, but with minor variance. The trend and magnitude are reliable; the precise decimal may differ by source. Suitable for directional analysis.

AI consensus: 2–3 of 4 models broadly agree

Verified
ChatGPTClaudeGeminiPerplexity

All AI models independently return the same statistic, unprompted. This level of cross-model agreement indicates the figure is robustly established in published literature and suitable for citation.

AI consensus: 4 of 4 models fully agree

Models

Cite This Report

This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.

APA
Kevin O'Brien. (2026, February 13). Firework Injuries Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/firework-injuries-statistics
MLA
Kevin O'Brien. "Firework Injuries Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/firework-injuries-statistics.
Chicago
Kevin O'Brien. 2026. "Firework Injuries Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/firework-injuries-statistics.

Sources & References

  • CPSC logo
    Reference 1
    CPSC
    cpsc.gov

    cpsc.gov

  • CDC logo
    Reference 2
    CDC
    cdc.gov

    cdc.gov

  • NFPA logo
    Reference 3
    NFPA
    nfpa.org

    nfpa.org

  • INJURYFACTS logo
    Reference 4
    INJURYFACTS
    injuryfacts.nsc.org

    injuryfacts.nsc.org

  • AAP logo
    Reference 5
    AAP
    aap.org

    aap.org

  • NCBI logo
    Reference 6
    NCBI
    ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

    ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

  • AOA logo
    Reference 7
    AOA
    aoa.org

    aoa.org

  • BURNSJOURNAL logo
    Reference 8
    BURNSJOURNAL
    burnsjournal.biomedcentral.com

    burnsjournal.biomedcentral.com

  • NSC logo
    Reference 9
    NSC
    nsc.org

    nsc.org

  • DSHS logo
    Reference 10
    DSHS
    dshs.texas.gov

    dshs.texas.gov

  • FLORIDAHEALTH logo
    Reference 11
    FLORIDAHEALTH
    floridahealth.gov

    floridahealth.gov

Logos provided by Logo.dev