The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ Division of Fire Safety has provided safety recommendations for fireworks usage ahead of the Fourth of July holiday. While the state allows the sale and use of ground-based fireworks such as sparklers and novelties, aerial fireworks, including those that explode in the air, remain strictly prohibited.
Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who also serves as DCA Commissioner, urges caution when using ground-based fireworks due to their potential danger. Sparklers, for example, can reach temperatures of about 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit and account for a significant number of injuries treated in emergency rooms during the month surrounding July 4.
The Division of Fire Safety recommends attending public fireworks displays organized by professionals instead of using fireworks individually. They also offer guidelines for the safe use of ground-based sparkling devices and novelties, including purchasing legal devices from reputable retailers, using them only in appropriate conditions, and following the manufacturer’s instructions. Additionally, the recommendations emphasize the importance of adult supervision and discouraging the use of fireworks while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Statistics from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2022 Fireworks Annual Report highlight the risks associated with fireworks usage, with thousands of injuries reported in the U.S. in 2022. Burns accounted for the majority of injuries, and teenagers and children were among the highest-risk age groups.
The Division of Fire Safety serves as New Jersey’s central fire service agency, responsible for enforcing the State Uniform Fire Code, promoting community risk reduction strategies, assisting fire departments, and conducting firefighter training programs. The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs offers various programs and services, including local government management, affordable housing production, disaster recovery, building safety, and more.