Fireworks Safety

Safety tips

Please observe and consider the following safety tips during this national celebration:

  • We want everyone to be safe and encourage parents to closely supervise any use of fireworks
  • Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
  • Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don’t realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.
  • Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
  • Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
  • Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
  • Never use fireworks near flammable or combustible materials
  • Keep a bucket of water, garden hose or fire extinguisher handy in case of fire or other mishap.
  • Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
  • Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
  • After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.

Other tips

  • Be considerate of neighbors, animals, etc. when using fireworks
  • Clean up debris from ignited fireworks
  • Use only legal fireworks

Laws

Minnesota statutes include the following restrictions:

  • Legal fireworks can only be used on private property, not on city streets, parks, etc.
  • Fireworks that explode or shoot into the air are illegal.
  • Most violations of the fireworks laws are misdemeanors. Adults and juveniles can be cited for violations.

Fourth of July driving safety

Fourth of July weekend is also a time we encourage people to drive safely and not drink and drive. Traffic citations, traffic crashes, and crash-related injuries and deaths are often high on the 4th of July weekend. Please obey traffic laws and plan for a sober driver.

More resources

See the links below for additional information regarding fireworks safety and Minnesota Statutes.

State Fire Marshal

Fireworks Safety Tips

Minnesota Fireworks Laws

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