Have fun but stay safe with an extra day of fireworks in Great Bend this Independence Day

Information from the Consumer Product Safety Commission and National Fire Protection Association

Fireworks often begin well before the actual July 4 holiday. With an extra day of legal fireworks in Great Bend this year in celebration of America 250, the potential for accidents doubles. 

In 2025, there were 15 reported fireworks-related deaths, most involving misuse and device misfire/malfunctions. An estimated 13,000 people were injured by fireworks last year. There were an estimated 1,300 emergency room treated injuries in 2025 involving sparklers.

The 15 to 24 age group accounted for the largest share of reported injuries. The most frequently injured body parts were hands and fingers (35%) and head, face, and ears (22%). Burns were the most common injury, making up 38% of all emergency room visits.

Stay Safe This Holiday with CPSC’s Fireworks Safety Tips:

1. Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals.
2. Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap.
3. Make sure fireworks are legal in your area, and only purchase and set off fireworks that are labeled for consumer (not professional) use.
4. Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
5. Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
6. Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
7. Follow all instructions and warnings on fireworks and never hold them in hand unless instructions specify to do so.

Facts about fireworks-related injuries and damage from NFPA:

1. Fireworks started an estimated 34,079 fires in 2024, including 3,246 structure fires, 857 vehicle fires, 29,517 outside fires, and 459 unclassified fires. These fires caused an estimated 59 civilian injuries and $98 million in direct property damage. There were not reported civilian deaths.
2. In 2024, U.S hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 14,700 people for fireworks related injuries.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for 32% of the estimated 2023 injuries. These injury estimates were obtained or derived from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2023 Fireworks Annual Report.