This information is meant to help guide healthcare decisions. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately.

America only celebrates its 250th birthday once.

This Independence Day, families across the country will gather to celebrate a historic milestone with backyard barbecues, patriotic parades, neighborhood gatherings, and fireworks that have become one of the most recognizable traditions of the Fourth of July.

For many families, those moments will become lifelong memories.

Unfortunately, so will some fireworks injuries.

Every year, thousands of Americans spend part of their holiday in an emergency room after suffering burns, eye injuries, hand trauma, hearing damage, and other preventable injuries caused by fireworks. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an estimated 13,000 people were treated in U.S. emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries in 2025. Nearly 38% of those injuries were burns, with the hands and fingers being the most commonly injured body part, followed by the head, face, and ears.

Behind every statistic is a family whose celebration didn’t go as planned.

The good news is that many of these injuries are entirely preventable.

At OakBend Medical Center, we hope your Fourth of July is remembered for the laughter around the grill, the excitement of watching fireworks light up the night sky, and the time spent with the people who matter most, not an unexpected visit to the emergency room.

That’s why OakBend Medical Center CEO Joe Freudenberger recently welcomed Richmond Fire Chief Mike Legoudes Jr. to Cup of Joe for an important conversation about fireworks safety, the injuries firefighters see every Independence Day, and how families can celebrate more safely this year.

Their message was simple: A few minutes of preparation can prevent months of recovery.

Whether you’re planning to attend a professional fireworks show or celebrate at home with legal consumer fireworks, understanding the risks before the celebration begins can help protect you, your family, and your community.

Want to watch this episode? Click below!

Why Fireworks Are More Dangerous Than Most People Realize

When most people think about fireworks injuries, they picture a small burn on a fingertip. In reality, the injuries can be far more severe.

Even consumer fireworks generate intense heat, pressure, and explosive force. A firework that appears to be working properly can tip over, explode unexpectedly, or launch in the wrong direction within seconds.

One of the biggest misconceptions involves sparklers. Because they don’t explode or shoot into the sky, many parents assume they’re safe for children. In reality, sparklers can burn at temperatures exceeding 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to melt certain metals and cause severe burns almost instantly. Young children are especially vulnerable because they often run, wave sparklers, or hand them to others without realizing how hot they are.

It only takes a split second for a celebration to turn into an emergency.

Every Independence Day, emergency departments treat patients for injuries such as:

• Burns ranging from minor to life threatening
• Deep cuts and lacerations
• Eye injuries and permanent vision loss
• Hearing damage from nearby explosions
• Facial injuries
• Broken bones
• Hand and finger injuries
• Traumatic amputations

Many of these injuries don’t happen because someone was being reckless, they happen because fireworks are unpredictable. A device can tip over after being lit, explode sooner than expected, or send burning debris toward bystanders.

Understanding these risks isn’t meant to discourage families from celebrating. It’s about making informed decisions that help everyone enjoy the holiday safely. As Chief Legoudes shared during his conversation with Joe Freudenberger, preparation is one of the most effective forms of prevention.

Before You Light the First Firework

One of the most important fireworks safety tips starts before you ever light a fuse.

Before purchasing or using consumer fireworks, make sure they’re legal where you plan to celebrate. Fireworks laws vary by city and county, and many communities, including the City of Richmond, prohibit consumer fireworks within city limits.

These laws help reduce the risk of fires, especially during the hot Texas summer when dry grass, fences, rooftops, and other combustible materials can ignite quickly. They also help ease the strain on firefighters and emergency responders during one of the busiest holidays of the year.

Taking a few minutes to check your local regulations is a simple step that can help protect your family, your neighbors, and your community. If you’re unsure whether fireworks are allowed where you’ll be celebrating, contact your local city or county government before making plans.

Professional Fireworks Displays Are Always the Safest Way to Celebrate

If you want to enjoy the beauty of fireworks, the safest choice is attending a professional fireworks display. Licensed professionals carefully plan launch locations, establish safety zones, monitor weather conditions, and coordinate with emergency responders to help keep spectators safe.

Watching a professional display lets families enjoy the excitement of fireworks without many of the risks associated with lighting them at home.

Looking for professional fireworks displays near you in the Greater Houston area? Click here!

If you choose to use legal consumer fireworks, preparation is essential. As Chief Legoudes emphasized during his conversation with Joe Freudenberger, taking the proper precautions doesn’t take the fun out of the holiday, it helps ensure the day ends with great memories, not a trip to the emergency room.

Fireworks Can Cause More Than Burns

When most people think of fireworks injuries, they think of burns. While burns are common, they’re far from the only injuries emergency physicians and firefighters see every Fourth of July.

According to Chief Mike Legoudes, the Richmond Fire Department most commonly responds to:

• Burns
• Hand and finger injuries
• Eye injuries
• Head injuries

These injuries can have lasting consequences. Hand injuries may affect strength, movement, and sensation long after the skin has healed. Eye injuries can range from corneal scratches to permanent vision loss, while nearby explosions can also cause hearing damage.

Perhaps most alarming, many injuries involve spectators, not the person lighting the firework. Parents, children, neighbors, and other bystanders can be struck by burning debris or fireworks that malfunction or travel in unexpected directions.

That’s why maintaining a safe distance is just as important as handling fireworks responsibly. As Chief Legoudes emphasized throughout his conversation with Joe Freudenberger, preparation is the best form of prevention. Understanding the risks and knowing when to seek emergency care can make all the difference.

When Should You Go to the ER for a Firework Injury?

One of the biggest mistakes people make after a fireworks injury is assuming they’ll know right away whether it’s serious. In reality, some of the most severe burns may hurt less because the heat has damaged the nerve endings.

Any firework burn involving the hands, face, feet, eyes, or major joints should receive immediate emergency care, as injuries to these areas can have lasting effects on movement, vision, and daily function.

Chief Legoudes encourages anyone with a significant fireworks injury to “err on the side of caution.”

If you’re unsure whether a burn needs medical attention, it’s safer to have it evaluated than to wait.

Prompt treatment can help reduce the risk of infection, permanent scarring, nerve damage, loss of movement, and other long-term complications.

What Should You Do Immediately After a Firework Burn?

The first few minutes after a firework burn can make a difference. If someone is burned by fireworks:

• Cool the burn with cool, not ice-cold, running water for about 20 minutes.
• Remove rings, watches, bracelets, or tight clothing before swelling begins.
• Cover the burn with a clean, dry dressing or cloth.
• Avoid applying butter, oils, toothpaste, or other home remedies, which can trap heat and increase the risk of infection.
• Never break blisters yourself.

These first aid steps can help limit further injury, but they don’t replace a medical evaluation. If the burn is severe, involves the face, hands, feet, eyes, or major joints, or you’re unsure how serious it is, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Signs You Should Never Ignore

Fireworks injuries should always be taken seriously, especially those involving the face, hands, or eyes.

Go to the emergency room immediately if you experience:

• Burns on the face, hands, feet, eyes, or major joints
• Deep burns, charred skin, or burns larger than the palm of your hand
• Burns that continue to blister or worsen
• Eye injuries or changes in vision
• Significant bleeding
• Difficulty moving your fingers or hand after an explosion
• Hearing loss, ringing in the ears, or dizziness
• Loss of consciousness
• Any injury that appears severe or continues to worsen

Even small-looking fireworks injuries can cause serious damage beneath the skin, including injuries to muscles, tendons, and nerves. Eye injuries should never be ignored, as delaying treatment can increase the risk of permanent vision loss.

When in doubt, it’s always safest to have the injury evaluated.

Don’t Wait to Seek Emergency Care

Every Fourth of July, emergency departments treat patients who waited too long to seek care. Unfortunately, delays can make some injuries more difficult to treat.

Burns can continue damaging tissue after the flames are out, increasing the risk of swelling, infection, and long-term complications. The same is true for eye injuries, where even a small piece of debris can threaten vision if not treated promptly.

At OakBend Medical Center, our goal is to provide fast, compassionate emergency care when every second matters. Our No Wait ER locations in Fort Bend County and Wharton are open 24/7 to treat burns, eye injuries, fractures, lacerations, and other fireworks-related emergencies.

When your holiday takes an unexpected turn, the last place you want to be is sitting in a waiting room. That’s why OakBend is committed to getting patients seen quickly, so treatment can begin without unnecessary delays

Distance Is Your Friend

When Joe Freudenberger asked Chief Legoudes what advice he wanted every family to remember this Fourth of July, his answer was simple:

“Distance is your friend.”

It may be the easiest fireworks safety tip to remember, and one of the most effective.

Once a firework is lit, never lean over it to see why it hasn’t gone off, pick it up, or approach it too soon. Light the fuse, then move away immediately.

Keeping a safe distance helps reduce the risk of burns, eye injuries, hearing damage, and other serious injuries if something goes wrong. Children should never light fireworks, and adults should always supervise from a safe distance. Spectators should also remain well outside the launch area, as fireworks can tip over, misfire, or explode unexpectedly.

If you’re responsible for lighting fireworks, wear safety glasses and hearing protection for added safety. As Chief Legoudes reminded viewers throughout the conversation, many fireworks injuries are preventable with just a few simple precautions.

Never Relight a Dud Firework

One of the most dangerous fireworks safety mistakes is assuming a dud firework is harmless. In reality, it can still explode without warning.

A fuse may continue burning internally even after it appears to have gone out. Approaching too soon or attempting to relight it can cause serious burns, hand injuries, eye injuries, and other traumatic injuries.

If a firework doesn’t go off, don’t touch it immediately. Wait at least 20 to 30 minutes, then carefully place it in a bucket of water and allow it to soak completely before disposing of it.

A few extra minutes of patience can prevent an injury that lasts a lifetime.

The Danger Doesn’t End When the Show Is Over

Many people assume the danger ends once the fireworks stop sparkling. In reality, one of the most overlooked fireworks hazards can happen after the celebration is over.

As Chief Legoudes explained during Cup of Joe:

“The fireworks are used and you think that they’re cooled off and they’re out, and people will put them in a trash can with other flammable items. Often times that trash can goes right in the garage. Over time, the fireworks will smolder and ignite other materials, ignite the trash can, ignite the house, and then we’ve got a much larger problem.”

Even after they appear to be out, used fireworks can retain enough heat to start a garage fire or house fire. That’s why proper disposal is an essential part of fireworks safety.

Before throwing fireworks away:

• Wait at least 20 to 30 minutes
• Place all used fireworks in a bucket of water
• Allow them to soak completely
• Dispose of them only after they have cooled thoroughly

Those few extra minutes can help prevent a fire long after the celebration has ended.

Firework Safety Tips That Can Help You Avoid the ER

No one starts the Fourth of July expecting to end the night in the emergency room. Fortunately, many fireworks injuries are preventable with a little planning and a few simple precautions.

Before lighting the first firework, make sure you’re prepared:

✔ Confirm fireworks are legal where you’ll be celebrating.
✔ Choose a professional fireworks display whenever possible.
✔ Read and follow all manufacturer instructions.
✔ Keep a garden hose, bucket of water, or fire extinguisher nearby.
✔ Make sure children are actively supervised and pets are safely indoors.
✔ Wear safety glasses when lighting fireworks.
✔ Never hold fireworks while lighting them.
✔ Light only one firework at a time.
✔ Keep everyone a safe distance away.
✔ Never allow children to light fireworks.
✔ Never relight a dud firework.
✔ Soak used fireworks completely before disposal.
✔ Know where the nearest emergency room is in case an accident occurs.

A few minutes of preparation can help protect your celebration and the people who matter most. These simple precautions take only minutes but can help prevent injuries that could last a lifetime.

Fireworks Safety Is a Community Responsibility

Fireworks don’t just affect the people lighting them.

Chief Legoudes also reminded viewers that fireworks can have a broader impact on the community. Every Fourth of July, preventable fireworks injuries increase demand on emergency departments during one of the busiest holidays of the year. Loud explosions can also be difficult for veterans and others living with PTSD or past trauma, while frightening pets and disturbing local wildlife.

If you or someone you know is struggling because of the noise or other holiday-related stress, support is available. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ “When Fireworks Don’t Feel Like Freedom” resource offers practical tips for preparing ahead of time, reducing stress during fireworks, and supporting loved ones with PTSD. You can also call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for confidential mental health support at any time. If someone is experiencing a medical or life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.

Celebrating responsibly means thinking beyond your own backyard. Respecting local fireworks laws, being mindful of your neighbors, and putting safety first helps ensure everyone can enjoy the holiday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fireworks legal in Richmond, Texas?

No. Consumer fireworks are prohibited within the City of Richmond. Fireworks laws vary by location, so always check your local city or county ordinances before purchasing or using fireworks.

When should I go to the ER for a firework burn?

Go to the emergency room immediately if a firework burn involves the face, hands, feet, eyes, or major joints, or if the burn is deep, blistering, larger than the palm of your hand, or continues to worsen. Seek emergency care for significant bleeding or any injury that appears severe.

What should I do if a firework doesn’t go off?

Never attempt to relight a dud firework. Wait at least 20 to 30 minutes, then place it in a bucket of water and allow it to soak completely before disposal.

Are sparklers safe for children?

No. Sparklers can burn at temperatures exceeding 1,200°F and can cause severe burns in seconds. Children should never use sparklers without close adult supervision.

What should I do immediately after a firework burn?

Cool the burn with cool running water for about 20 minutes, remove any jewelry before swelling begins, and cover the area with a clean, dry dressing. Seek emergency care if the burn is severe or involves the face, hands, feet, eyes, or major joints.

Should I pop a burn blister after a fireworks injury?

No. Never pop a burn blister or apply butter, oils, toothpaste, or other home remedies to a firework burn. These can increase the risk of infection and delay healing. Instead, cover the burn with a clean, dry dressing and seek medical care if the injury is severe or you’re unsure how serious it is.

Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday Safely This Independence Day

America only celebrates its 250th birthday once.

Whether you’re celebrating with family, attending a community event, or watching fireworks light up the night sky, we hope this historic Fourth of July is filled with memories you’ll cherish for years to come.

As Joe Freudenberger and Richmond Fire Chief Mike Legoudes Jr. shared during Cup of Joe, a little preparation goes a long way in helping keep everyone safe.

From all of us at OakBend Medical Center, we wish you and your family a safe, happy, and memorable Independence Day. And if the unexpected happens, our No Wait ER locations in Richmond and Wharton are here 24/7 with fast, compassionate emergency care.

Fireworks may last only a few seconds. The memories should last a lifetime, not the injuries.