New Jersey Celebrates America's 248th Birthday

Trenton, NJ - In advance of Independence Day celebrations, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ (DCA) Division of Fire Safety is issuing its annual fireworks safety recommendations for ground-based sparkling devices and novelties.

New Jersey modified its fireworks law in 2017 to legally allow the sale and use of ground-based fireworks such as hand-held sparklers, smoke devices, and party popper novelties. However, New Jersey law continues to strictly prohibit the sale and use of aerial fireworks, which include any fireworks that explode in the air such as bottle rockets, firecrackers, and Roman candles.

While ground-based fireworks are legal in New Jersey, they can still burn people. For example, the temperature of one sparkler can reach about 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hotter than the temperatures at which water boils, wood burns, and glass melts.

“Families and friends can enjoy amazing fireworks at hundreds of locally permitted and regulated displays throughout the state for the Fourth of July holiday and during the summer months,” said DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “We urge people to leave the fireworks to the professional pyrotechnicians and attend one of the many fireworks displays that are free to the public, including shows along the waterfront opposite Philadelphia and New York City and at the Jersey Shore.”

“If people choose to use ground-based fireworks, they should exercise extreme caution to keep themselves and their loved ones safe from burns and other injuries,” said State Fire Marshal Richard Mikutsky, who also leads DCA’s Division of Fire Safety. “Carefully review our firework safety recommendations and be mindful that these novelties and sparkling devices are dangerous.”

People can view and download from DCA’s website a visual guide of which fireworks are legal and which are not.

The Division of Fire Safety provides the following recommendations for people who decide to buy and use ground-based sparkling devices and novelties:

• Never use illegal fireworks.
• Only buy legal devices from reputable retail outlets.
• Don’t buy if the packaging is damaged or appears tampered with.
• Never use these devices indoors.
• Don’t use in very windy or dry conditions.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks and only permit older children to use them under close adult supervision.
• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
• Wear protective eyewear when using fireworks or standing nearby.
• Never hold lit fireworks in your hands.
• Only use fireworks away from people, houses, and flammable material.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.
• Never ignite devices in a container.
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning or “dud” fireworks.
• Completely soak used devices and “duds” in a bucket of water and let soak overnight.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire.
• Double-wrap soaked devices in plastic wrap or a plastic bag to help keep them from drying out.
• Place wrapped bags in regular household garbage.

According to the 2023 U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Fireworks Annual Report:

• There were eight non-occupational, fireworks-related deaths during calendar year 2023.
• Fireworks were involved with an estimated 9,700 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments during calendar year 2023.
• An estimated 6,400 fireworks-related injuries (or 66 percent of the total estimated fireworks-related injuries in 2023) were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments during the one-month period between June 16, 2023, and July 16, 2023.
• An estimated 42 percent of the emergency department-treated injuries during the one-month period between June 16, 2023, and July 16, 2023, were burns. Burns were the most common injury to hands and fingers; head, face, and ears; arm; and leg regions.
• Teenagers 15 to 19 years of age had the highest estimated rate of emergency department-treated, fireworks-related injuries (4.5 injuries per 100,000 people). Children 5 to 9 years of age had the second highest estimated rate (4 injuries per 100,000 people) during the one-month period between June 16, 2023, and July 16, 2023.

The Division of Fire Safety serves as the central fire service agency in the State. The Division is responsible for the development and enforcement of the State Uniform Fire Code, as well as for implementing community risk reduction and firefighter training programs.

In addition to fire safety, DCA offers a wide range of programs and services, including local government management and finance, affordable housing production, disaster recovery and mitigation, building safety, community planning and development, historic preservation, and information privacy.

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