2006-2009

Please go to Accidents caused by fireworks (Part 2) (or http://www.stop-fireworks.org/accidents_america_2.htm) if you are interested in informations about fireworks-related injuries, deaths and fires etc. of the year 2006-2009.

2005

"2005 Fireworks Annual Report. Fireworks-Related Deaths, Emergency Department-Treated Injuries, and Enforcement Activities During 2005", June 2006, Michael Greene, Division of Hazard Analysis, Directorate for Epidemiology, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), http://www.cpsc.gov/library/2005fwreport.pdf:

-          CPSC has reports of 4 deaths associated with fireworks during 2005. Two victims were killed in incidents involving aerial devices. In one incident an aerial shell type device exploded while the victim was holding it in a launching tube. In the second incident, a man was struck in the face by a shell which launched while he was leaning over the tube. The other two incidents involved motor vehicle fires that were started by fireworks, in both cases killing the vehicle passenger.

-          Fireworks were involved in an estimated 10,800 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments during calendar year 2005. à There has been a statistically significant upward trend in fireworks injuries since 1996.

Aiea/Hawaii. Cyndee Somera (11) was injured by an illegal homemade explosive. 2.1.2005

Source: 

"New Year's Eve fires drop", 2.1.2005, http://starbulletin.com/2005/01/02/news/story6.html  

Waipahu. A fire that destroyed a vacant building at 94-053 Nawaakoa Place yesterday morning was apparently ignited by fireworks. 1.1.2005

Source: "New Year's Eve fires drop", 2.1.2005, http://starbulletin.com/2005/01/02/news/story6.html

East Austin, Texas. Unruly fireworks have ignited an unoccupied lumber mill owned by Austin Lumber Co. Inc., along with several sheds used for storing lumber. The fire also burned the east side of a home. The street behind the lumber company was littered with remnants of bottle rockets, firecrackers and small fireworks.

Source: 2.1.2005, http://www.washtimes.com/upi-breaking/20050102-094101-4002r.htm  

The Department of Health released the printout of air quality readings.

A spike at midnight on a printout showed monitoring stations in Pearl City, Liliha and Honolulu were the worst, exceeding both federal and state air quality limits for the 24-hour period. The worst area, as in years past, was Pearl City.

Source: "Test shows poor air quality on New Year’s Eve", 6.1.2005, http://www.thehawaiichannel.com/health/4059000/detail.html

Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Static electricity is blamed for an explosion at the Havasu Pyrotechnics facility. There was one worker inside, but he escaped with only first- and second-degree burns on one arm. 16.2.2005

Source: 

"Explosion at Arizona pyrotechnics facility destroys building", 17.2.2005, http://cms.firehouse.com/content/article/article.jsp?sectionId=46&id=39473

"Explosion at pyrotechnics facility destroys building", http://www.kold.com/Global/story.asp?S=2963593

Texas City. A 18-year-old boy's right index finger had been blown off as he was handling fireworks. The severed finger was recovered and transported along with the victim to the hospital. There is no information yet whether doctors were able to reattach the severed digit. 24.2.2005

Source: "Man injured in fireworks accident", 27.2.2005, http://www.galvnews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=eb5cc165223b8b88

Chula Vista. A girl (2) bit into a package of poppers called Sprite Bombs; five of them exploded in her face. The girl suffered serious burns and blisters around her mouth. 

Out of the packaging, poppers can easily be mistaken for candy.

The so-called poppers are considered to be fireworks and are illegal. 4.3.2005

Source: "Toddler burned after biting fireworks", 4.3.2005, http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/4255944/detail.html (pictures and video)

Rockledge. A large batch of fireworks – possibly Roman candles – ignited somehow and exploded just south of Eyster Boulevard inside a truck and set it on fire, killing Robert Buddington, passenger in the pickup and a Rockledge High senior and injuring with burns his classmate Steven Gies who was driving. The driver lost control, as the firefighters later arrived, the cab and front end of the truck were engulfed in flames. 4.3.2005  

Source: "Rockledge teen dies when fireworks explode in pickup", 4.3.2005, http://www.staugustine.com/stories/030605/sta_2931632.shtml and http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050305/NEWS01/503050314/1006

Bismarck, North Dakota. A grass fire just east of this city that burned about 250 acres was started by fireworks.

Source: 5.3.2005, http://www.grandforks.com/mld/grandforks/11061785.htm

Forest Park High School senior Taylor Irwin (18) died March 18 at hospital as a result of burn injuries suffered in a car fire March 4. A bag of fireworks caught fire while he was riding in a car with another student. Irwin suffered second- and third-degree burns over 50 percent of his body. The car's driver, Kristi Artenian (18), suffered second-degree burns to 15 percent of her body. The car's interior was burned, especially on the floor. - Fire and Rescue officials said most fireworks are illegal in Prince William County and those possessing them are subject to criminal charges.

Source: "Athlete dies from car fire injuries. Forest Park mourns football player", 20.3.2005, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A48955-2005Mar19.html

Meriden. A youth (17) lost one of his hands when an explosive made by his brother (14) blew up outside his home at 26 South Broad Street. Neighbours say the explosion shook their houses. 10.3.2005

Source: "Teen loses hand in explosion", 10.3.2005, http://www.wtnh.com/Global/story.asp?S=3061800&nav=3YeXXMJs

Tampa. Antwan R. Hill (16), a Middleton High cool student is accused of throwing a high-powered firecracker into a school courtyard, injuring nine students. Injuries ranged from minor cuts and possible burns to temporary hearing loss and ringing in the ears.

Police officers led Hill in handcuffs from the school. He was charged with throwing a destructive device causing injury and possession of a weapon on school grounds, both felonies.

Source: 12.3.2005, http://news.tbo.com/news/MGB44QTD76E.html

Arlington. According to a witness, a person in a passing car threw a seven-shot sound mine, which is a canister filled with fireworks, out a window and toward 450 Appleton Street. Then rockets shooting in multiple directions; the display went on for around 10 to 15 minutes. The residents at 450 Appleton Street found thick smoke in the dining room and, once outside, they saw the fire was on the exterior of the home. Damage: $30,000 to $40,000. - Fire investigators believe at least one firework lodged itself behind siding, which ignited the wood exterior and spread to the interior wall of the dining room. 15.4.2005

Source: 15.4.2005, http://www2.townonline.com/arlington/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=228679

Plainfield, Will County, Ill. A fter drinking 10 beers, a man lit at 25 E. Main St. a 10-inch diameter commercial-grade firework, the type used for professional fireworks shows (that is illegal for Illinois residents to have in possession) and caused an explosion that gutted his home. The man was seriously injured by shrapnel and suffered burns, his friend received burns to more than 50% of her body. 3.5.2005  

Source: "Two injured in fireworks play gone bad" (article with images and video "Neighbors describe explosion", 3.5.2005, http://www.nbc5.com/news/4447045/detail.html?z=dp&dpswid=2265994&dppid=65193  

Lancaster, Mass. Richard Cataldo (18) is in a Boston hospital with hand and eye injuries suffered what Lancaster police described as a home-made sparkler bomb went off. Cataldo was working on the device at a friend's house; the explosion also damaged the garage. The device that exploded was filled with black powder from sparklers. 8.5.2005

Source: "Teen suffers hand, eye injuries in blast", 10.5.2005, http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/4470088/detail.html

Kalaeloa, Oahu, Hawaii. A teenage boy (17) turned himself at the Kapolei police substation shortly after 4:30 p.m., saying he was playing with jumping-jack type fireworks, one of which got away from him and landed in brush, started a brushfire.

The fire scorched nearly 50 acres in the former Barbers Point Naval Air Station. The fire came within a quarter-mile of homes, and the smoke forced the evacuation of more than 120 people from White Pains and Nimitz beaches. The Honolulu Fire Department used nearly 70 firefighters to fight the blaze and nearly four hours to contain it. 24.5.2005

Source:

"Teen playing with fireworks blamed for brushfire", 24.5.2005, http://www.thehawaiichannel.com/news/4528734/detail.html (on this site you find a video "Watch News Report")

"Teenager blamed for fire at Kalaeloa", 25.5.2005, http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2005/May/25/ln/ln08p.html

"Boy ays fireworks tarted alaeloa fire. The 17-year-old is in custody after crews secure the 40-acre fire", 25.5.2005, http://starbulletin.com/2005/05/25/news/story9.html

Chicago. Elvira Bakken and her sister said they still can't believe that a stray Roman candle almost set Bakken's 4-month-old baby on fire (burns on his blanket that went right through his leg) at 2124 N. Mulligan Ave over the weekend. The fireworks came from down the alley, where some neighborhood children were playing. No one saw who set it off.

There will be no fireworks in Bakken's family's Fourth of July holiday. <<We're not safe anymore,>> Bakken said. <<We are staying inside. Not even in our back yard – we can't even be here.>> 18./19.6.2005

Source: "Errant fireworks burn baby", 20.6.2005, http://www.nbc5.com/news/4631656/detail.html

El Monte. A fire apparently started by fireworks charred brush behind three backyards and damaged a shed and a patio-coveron the bike path behind Fletcher Park. El Monte Officer Miller found nine unused skyrockets and one that had been fired.

Source: 20.6.2005, http://www.sgvtribune.com/Stories/0,1413,205~12220~2930644,00.html

Three days before July 4^th, during a city organized fireworks display, Kristan Frei's dog "Phoenix" got scared and ran from her back yard. Moments later, it was hit by a car. Frei says the fireworks show caught her, and several neighbors, by surprise. She wants the city to take responsibility for her dog's death. 1.7.2005

Source: 1.7.2005, http://www.4utah.com/local_news/local_headlines/story.aspx?content_id=50D992A4-7A4C-40EB-AFEB-45A894094BDC

La Vista, Neb. Investigators said fireworks are to blame for a garage fire. The fire started after fireworks were improperly disposed of in a garbage container. 1.7.2005

Source: "Fireworks spark garage blaze", 1.7.2005, http://www.theomahachannel.com/news/4679022/detail.html

Mankato, Minn. A man (41) was seriously injured when suspected illegal fireworks ignited in the basement of his home around 1:45 a.m. The explosion injured one of the man's eyes and seriously damaged three or four fingers on one hand, maybe he will lose one or more fingers. - The fireworks were not legal for unlicensed use in Minnesota, a County deputy said. 2.7.2005

Source: 2.7.2005, http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/5490213.html

Chicago Heights, Ill. Police said, July 3, 2005, Willie Marr (52) came outside of his home and asked Willie Sallis Jr. to stop, but he apparently continued lighting the fireworks. Chicago Heights police said they believe he threatened a group of neighbors, urged them to stop lighting fireworks, then returned with a shotgun. Marr's attorney said his client acted in self-defense. - "I can understand wanting to respect your house and all that, but to kill somebody (over) fireworks makes no sense," said one man. "He said the fireworks were landing in his yard." - Willie Marr was charged with first-degree murder in the slaying of Willie Sallis Jr.

Source:

"Fireworks dispute turns deadly", 5.7.2005, http://cbs2chicago.com/topstories/local_story_186171720.html

"Man charged with first-degree murder", 5.7.2005, http://www.nbc5.com/news/4682407/detail.html?z=dp&dpswid=2265994&dppid=65193

"$1 million bond set in neighbor's death", 5.7.2005, http://abclocal.go.com/wls/news/070505_ns_chicago_heights.html

East Beach. Firefighters in Galveston suspect fireworks could be to blame for a brush fire on East Beach that forced authorities to evacuate some campers July 4. The blaze broke out at about 10:30 p.m. July 3, 2005, on East Beach near the seawall. Between 100 and 120 acres went up in flames. 

Source: "Fireworks may be culprit behind East Beach blaze", 4.7.2005, http://www.click2houston.com/news/4680909/detail.html

Markham. Fireworks are believed to have started a fire in a house at 15729 S. Clifton Ave. at about 8:20 p.m. that left a family of nine homeless. The homeowners were away when a firework apparently ignited the backyard deck. Just a teenage girl was home at the time, sleeping but escaped uninjured. The house sustained extensive damage.

Source: 3.7.2005, http://www.dailysouthtown.com/southtown/dsnews/048nd6.htm

Mill Creek, Wash. Illegal firework, that has been shot into a window, is blamed for starting a fire early July 3, 2005, that left 14 people homeless at an apartment complex. The blaze at the Millwood Estates destroyed three apartments and damaged five others. Damage: $550,000. 

Source: "4th of July means busy night for firefighters", 5.7.2005, http://www.komotv.com/news/story_m.asp?ID=37788

Pawtucket, R.I. The Pawtucket Red Sox cancelled a New Hampshire company's July 4 fireworks display at McCoy Stadium after several people suffered burns and other injuries during a similar post-game show a day earlier at about 11 p.m. The fireworks exploded in multiple directions, with sparks hitting a scoreboard and setting fire to some bushes outside the stadium. At least six people were treated for minor injuries (4 of the injured were employees of Telstar Display Fireworks), including several workers who suffered minor burns while standing near the explosion. The fireworks were part of Independence Day celebrations at the Triple a stadium. 3.7.2005

Source:

"Pawtucket Red Sox cancel July 4^th fireworks after burns, injuries", 4.7.2005, http://www.boston.com/news/local/new_hampshire/articles/2005/07/04/pawtucket_red_sox_cancel_july_4th_fireworks_after_burns_injuries/

"Fans injured at McCoy Stadium fireworks show", 5.7.2005, http://www.eyewitnessnewstv.com/Global/story.asp?S=3552705&nav=F2DObk3m

Priest River. Fire department investigators are trying to determine why a launch tube exploded during an Idaho Panhandle community's fireworks show, seriously injuring a technician. Dave Sylvester (54) suffered burns and lacerations to his hand and leg when a launch tube exploded about 15 minutes into the fireworks display on the banks of the Pend Oreille River. 3.7.2005  

Source: "Technician injured  in fireworks mishap", 5.7.2005, http://www.ktvb.com/news/localnews/stories/ktvbn-july0505-fireworks_injury.77d7dc44.html

Ute Mountain Ute Indian Reservation land. A Ute Mountain Casino fireworks started a brush fire near a crowd. The blaze ignited before the fireworks display ended. The fire burned less than one acre. About six trucks and 20 firefighters responded to the fire. 3.7.2005

Source: "Brush fire cuts fireworks celebration short", 5.7.2005, http://www.cortezjournal.com/asp-bin/article_generation.asp?article_type=news&article_path=/news/05/news050705_2.htm

Julie Heckman, executive director of the Maryland-based American Pyrotechnics Association, said Americans will spend about $840 million on fireworks this year, up from $815 million last year and $775 million in 2003.

"Fireworks manufacturing in this country almost doesn't exist anymore", Ms. Heckman said. Less than 2% of consumer fireworks and about 25% of large-display fireworks bought in this country are made here, she said.

The majority of the world's fireworks are made in China. According to U.S. Census Bureau figures, American fireworks companies imported stock worth $172.5 million in 2004, $164 million of which came from China.

Source: "Expert expects Americans to spend $840 million on fireworks this July Fourth", 3.7.2005, http://news.tradingcharts.com/futures/5/6/68065765.html

Buchanan, Tennessee. A row of fireworks tipped over as a storm approached, sending rockets flying into a crowd gathered to watch a Fourth of July display at Paris Landing State Park, injuring several people. One woman was sent to a hospital, two others were treated at the scene for minor burns. One shell went through the back window of a truck, setting it ablaze.

Officials said the accident occurred as the show began while two-inch diameter rockets were being set off. The rockets are fired electronically in ranks of ten, so there was no way to stop the sequence as the first batch was ignited. 4.7.2005 

Source:

"Rockets tip at Paris landing, fire into crowd. Storm blew over bank of fireworks", 5.7.2005, http://www.theleafchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050705/NEWS01/50705001

"Fireworks tip over at State Park and shoot into crowd", 5.7.2005, http://www.newschannel5.com/content/region/12648.asp

Burden. Mike Conover was shooting off fireworks at the ranch of Chris Kaufman, 23811 172^nd Road, when a lit firework landed in the back of his truck where Conover happened to be storing the night's arsenal. The rogue firework ignited the rest of the fireworks and sent onlookers running for cover. Conover's truck was completely destroyed; Kaufman's vehicle received some damage to the driver's side. 4.7.2005

Source: http://www.winfieldcourier.com/w050709/Tues1.html

Cape Girardeau, Mo. Police officers responded to a complaint about a rowdy crowd shooting fireworks on Hanover Street shortly before 10:00 p.m. When police arrived people began throwing fireworks at their squad car. 4.7.2005

Source: "Fireworks fight; one police officer injured", 6.7.2005, http://www.kfvs12.com/Global/story.asp?S=3556846&nav=8H3xbmfY

Council Bluff, IA. Russell Thompson Sr. (58) was arrested after he allegedly fired four shots from an AK-47 assault rifle after becoming angry at neighbors who were setting off fireworks.

Thompson told the police officers that he fired four shots into the hillside to try and get the people to stop lighting fireworks because they were scaring his dog. He also stated that he is a Vietnam veteran and that he knows how to handle firearms. There were no signs of any bullet hole in the house of the neighbor or no reports by the victim or witnesses of bullets passing by them. - Thompson was charged with four counts of aggravated assault. 4.7.2005

Source:

"Man charged with firing AK-47 at fireworks-firing neighbors", 7.7.2005, http://www.crgazette.com/2005/07/06/Home/News/fireworksshootingarrest.htm

"C.B. man shoots gun to stop neighbor's fireworks", 5.7.2005, http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=14805923&BRD=2703&PAG=461&dept_id=555106&rfi=6

"Council bluffs man accused of shooting AK-47", 6.5.2005, http://www.theomahachannel.com/news/4688227/detail.html

Dearborn, Mich. Three boys lit a firecracker and some notebook paper near a storm drain. Some gases coming from the drain were ignited, causing an explosion that burned through the children's clothes. 4.7.2005

Source: "Dearborn boys burned after fireworks explosion", 5.7.2005, http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/4683641/detail.html

Des Moines. A suspected errant fireworks landed in a shrub and then ignited in the 21400 block of 4^th Avenue South. The fire spread to the attic of the nearby house. Damage: $30,000 - $50,000. 4.7.2005

Source: "4th of July means busy night for firefighters", 5.7.2005, http://www.komotv.com/news/story_m.asp?ID=37788

Edmonds. Three people suffered minor injuries as a blaze caused by fireworks destroyed a house. The blaze was caused by a firework that ignited the roof, and the fire spread from there. Damage: $ 125,000. à Fireworks are illegal in Edmonds. 3.7.2005

Source: "4th of July means busy night for firefighters", 5.7.2005, http://www.komotv.com/news/story_m.asp?ID=37788  

Flagler Beach, Florida. Several spectators in Florida were burned when a wayward rocket from an annual July Fourth fireworks display veered off course from a city pier and exploded in a crowd of people on a nearby beach. Six or seven spectators were treated for minor burns at the scene. - A two-page report summarizing the investigation indicated the cause of the malfunction likely will never be known "since the display was cleaned up before the investigator's arrival". 4.7.2005  

Source:

"Wayward rocket  burns spectators at Fla. fireworks show", 5.7.2005, http://www.local6.com/news/4682331/detail.html

"Cause of Flagler fireworks mishap unknown", 8.9.2005, http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/News/Flagler/03FlaglerFLAG0109805.htm

Gallup. A fire, which officials suspect started due to fireworks, destroyed two vacant trailers on Saddle Ridge Road. 4.7.2005

Source: "Destroyed", 5.7.2005, http://www.gallupindependent.com/2005/july/070505burn.html

Grand Haven. Investigators said some of the fireworks from the 2005 Coast Guard Festival exploded too low to the ground, setting the dry dune grass on fire. No one was hurt in the blaze, but the firefighters were busy for hours. 4.7.2005

Source: "Grand Haven firefighters ready for fireworks",  4.7.2006, http://www.ktvb.com/news/localnews/stories/ktvbn-jul0306-bottle_rocket_accident.2588e8d3.html

Great Falls. A young man lost most of his right hand after lighting an explosive made by a 16-year-old boy. All that remained of his hand was the man's little finger. The boy was charged with criminal endangerment. 4.7.2005

Source: "Homemade fireworks bad idea", 7.7.2005, http://www.helenair.com/articles/2005/07/07/opinions_top/a04070705_01.txt

Hamilton. Brian Bachmeier (22), a fireworks display operator, was killed instantly shortly before midnight when one of the fireworks, which was supposed to have been shot off as a part of the July 4 community fireworks display at the Ravalli County fairgrounds, exploded while he and a co-worker were attempting to clean the launching device after the show. It appeared an unexploded fireworks shell was still lodged in the mortar tube and exploded as the worker attempted to clear the tube. The co-worker was injured, taken to hospital and later released. 4.7.2005

Source:

"Man killed in community fireworks accident", 5.7.2005, http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?tl=1&display=rednews/2005/07/05/build/state/68-fireworks-fatal.inc

"Fireworks operator killed after July 4 show", 6.7.2005, http://www.ravallinews.com/articles/2005/07/06/news/news01.txt

"Arlee man killed in Hamilton fireworks explosion", 4.7.2005, http://leaderadvertiser.com/articles/2005/07/07/news/news01.txt

"Fireworks fatality victim identified", 7.7.2005, http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?id=1&display=rednews/2005/07/07/build/state/80-victim-id.inc

Hermann, Missouri. A fireworks accident injured three workers, two seriously, operating the display for the Fourth of July celebration. Brad Link (26), James Pollard (25) and Cory Carson (17) suffered burn-related injuries from the explosion. 

Shortly after the start of the display, it appeared that several of the pyrotechnic devices detonated on the ground across the river where the fireworks were being launched. A portion of the stored product for the display was accidentally ignited by burning debris from a misfire or low burst. The chain reaction explosion that followed ignited and detonated over 90% of the display product in close proximity to the company representatives.

Residents say people as far as a mile away say they felt the blast. 4.7.2005 

Source:

"Three hurt in fireworks explosion at Hermann", 6.7.2005, http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=14812163&BRD=1409&PAG=461&dept_id=33071&rfi=6

"2 of 3 injured in Hermann fireworks explosion released from hospital", 5.7.2005, http://www.ksdk.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=81427

"Home video captures explosion during fireworks show; three injured", 5.7.2005, http://www.wkyc.com/news/news_fullstory.asp?id=37484 (at this site you can watch a video of the fireworks explosion)

"Missouri fireworks explosion injures three", 5.7.2005, http://www.news10.net/storyfull10.asp?id=11850 (at this site you can watch a home video of the explosion)

Northwest Harris County. A fire at "Autoplex 2000", an auto parts store in the 12000 block of Veterans Memorial, is being blamed on someone lighting fireworks. A Harris County fire investigator says the fire started when the fireworks landed near some automotive oil. Damage: about $10,000. 4.7.2005

Source:

"Flying fireworks being blamed for auto store blaze", 5.7.2005, http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/news/070505_local_storefire.html

"Fireworks start fire at car repair shop", 5.7.2005, http://www.khou.com/news/local/stories/khou050705_cd_carrepairfire.7740e0f0.html (on this site you can watch a video)

Johnson  City. Two people are arrested after police say a crowd of 100 people at the intersection of Montgomery and Eight Street around 11:30 p.m. on the Fourth of July, 2005, turned on them, some even firing fireworks at officers. 

Source: http://www.tricities.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=TRI%2FMGArticle%2FTRI_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1031783695768&path=/news/localnews&s=

Lima. Tyler Stosich (20), injured in a fireworks explosion July 4, is paralyzed from the neck down, a family member said. Stosich and a friend had built a homemade bomb out of fireworks. After being lit on a hill behind Stosich's parents' home, the bomb detonated, and the explosion knocked Stosich and another young man to the ground. Debris from the blast struck the Stosich in the neck, breaking two of his vertebrae. 4.7.2005

Source: 

"Homemade fireworks bad idea", 7.7.2005, http://www.helenair.com/articles/2005/07/07/opinions_top/a04070705_01.txt

"Man paralyzed from fireworks", 8.7.2005, http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?id=1&display=rednews/2005/07/08/build/state/85-fireworks.inc

Livermore. Jason C. Wilkins (36) was critically injured July 4, 2005, when an illegal firework (a "mortar-type explosive") he was trying to light exploded near him, causing severe facial injuries. The mortar detonated before Wilkins had time to get out of the way. Livermore police described the device as an "almost softball-sized mortar". - Jason C. Wilkins died July 9, 2005, at hospital. He was the father of three children.  

Source:

"Fireworks accident injures Livermore man", 6.7.2005, http://www.insidebayarea.com/dailyreview/localnews/ci_2842181

"Man critically injured by fireworks", 5.7.2005, http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/breaking_news/12059904.htm

"Man dies from fireworks accident", 12.7.2005, http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/12112117.htm

Lowell. Frances Thomas (65) is hospitalised in fair condition after homemade fireworks flew into her car and hit her in the face. Her daughter Rose Fox was driving the car and says: "My moms face was just hanging there basically. … Her chin bone was all mangled. Her teeth are out. They're going to go in and fix that." Mrs. Thomas also has a broken eye socket and a broken collar bone. 4.7.2005

Source: "Woman hospitalized after fireworks hit her face", 5.7.2005, http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=41649

Manzano, N.M. Fireworks sparked a fire just south of the Torrance County village of Manzano in the afternoon. The fire burned approximately nine acres. 4.7.2005

Source: http://www.krqe.com/expanded.asp?ID=10820

Mayville, N.Y. Rita Jacobson (44) was injured on this Independence Day festivities when a device exploded in its launch tube, sending a piece of heavy gauge plastic into her chest. She was flown by helicopter to hospital, where she underwent surgery to remove the shrapnel. Two others were treated for arm and leg injuries from the explosion. Investigators believe the charge to launch the device either failed or was not properly made. 4.7.2005

Source: http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny-brf--fireworksmish0705jul05,0,997026.story?coll=ny-region-apnewyork and http://www.wstm.com/Global/story.asp?S=3556425

Modesto, Calif. Illegal fireworks are being blamed for a fire that destroyed a home. Firefighters said they have found a bottle rocket on the roof of the home, which is owned by Vencie and Chuck Jacobson. 4.7.2005

Source: "Modesto house fire blamed on illegal fireworks", 5.7.2005, http://www.thekcrachannel.com/news/4686272/detail.html

Montgomery, Ala. A July Fourth incident shortly after 1 p.m. involving fireworks sent a boy (3) to the hospital after police said a firecracker may have exploded in his mouth. The boy suffered burns in his mouth and tongue and was transfered to the hospital because he had difficulty breathing. He was listed in serious condition. 4.7.2005

Source: http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/mld/ledgerenquirer/news/local/12065736.htm

New Sewickley Township, Beaver County. According to police, someone started shooting of bottle rockets during a backyard party on the Fourth of July when a few of the fireworks landed on the roof of the home and another landed inside the back porch, setting the house on fire and causing a lot of damage. 4.7.2005

Source: http://kdka.com/local/local_story_187165342.html

Orangevale, California. House fire on Bikini Court: Fire officials said the family had used fireworks earlier in the evening, but instead of soaking them in water, they tossed them into a garbage can alongside the house. The trash inside the can caught fire and the flames spread to the house. Damage: $80,000. 4.7.2005

Source: "Fireworks blame for Orangevale house fire", 5.7.2005, http://www.thekcrachannel.com/news/4683163/detail.html

Ralston, Neb. Joshua Berger (13) was swimming in Jeffrey Belmont's backyard pool when a powerful firework  exploded near him. His lifejacket was shredded on one side by the force of the commercial-grade firework. Part of his colon and appendix had to be removed and other damaged internal organs had to be repaired. He faces a series of plastic surgeries and skin grafts to repair internal damages. - Jeffrey Belmont (40) was arrested and commercial-grade fireworks (200 cases of explosives totalling 2,000 pounds) were found in his basement and trailer. 4.7.2005

Source: "Boy in serious condition, faces more surgery after fireworks injury", 5.7.2005, http://www.theomahachannel.com/news/4685628/detail.html

Siren. A man (39) was injured while shooting off fireworks for the Victory Fireworks show at Crooked Lake Park when a firework apparently misfired near the end of the annual display. The nature of the injuries includes a puncture wound, several lacerations and minor burns over most of the front part of his body. 4.7.2005

Source: "Fireworks injures man", 5.7.2005, http://www.burnettcountysentinel.com/Main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=20&ArticleID=8975

Around Skagit County. The 4^th of July kept local police hopping, as complaints about fireworks poured in. A total of 127 calls come in, most from people just tired of the noise.

-         A bottle rocket broke the window of a moving  car on Township Street in Sedro-Wolley just after midnight.

-         Sedro-Wolley police also responded to a call about people allegedly shooting illegal fireworks across Highway 20.

4.7.2005 

Source: http://www.skagitvalleyherald.com/articles/2005/07/05/news/news04.txt

St. Peters. Larry Whittaker (13) and some friends are detonating a few firecrackers. But while igniting some bottle rockets in the evening in a St. Peters subdivision, one rocket made a startling 90-degree turn, and like an errant missile, struck Larry directly in the left eye.

Doctors said that Larry's eye suffered a scratched cornea, shattered iris and a cataract that would require surgery. No interior damage was discovered, meaning Larry would likely retain at least some, if not all, of his vision. 4.7.2005

Source: http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/neighborhoods/stories.nsf/news/story/77E3E1AF76669184862570380072A29E?OpenDocument

Titusville, Fla. Police are searching for whoever tossed lit fireworks into a passing car about 6 p.m. in front of a home on DeLeon Avenue, causing it to become engulfed in flames. The fire melted the tires, peeled away the paint and burned until firefighters arrived from their station about a mile away. 4.7.2005 

Source:

"Fireworks tossed in passing car's window", 5.7.2005, http://www.local6.com/news/4684898/detail.html

"Tossed fireworks ignite flames in N. Brevard car", 5.7.2005, http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050705/BREAKINGNEWS/50705006

Watsonville. At approximately 9:30 p.m. at 68 Holm Road an unidentified male lit an explosive device believed to be fireworks. He then dropped the device into an area surrounded by cement cinderblocks. When it exploded it sent pieces of cement flying in various directions several of which struck Maria De La Cruz Gonzalez (33) in the stomach and leg. Police is searching for this man who allegedly illegally set off fireworks injuring Mrs Gonzalez. 4.7.2005

Source: http://www.kiontv.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=E57594BC-109B-46C3-8886-5ED4524944EF

Rafael Diaz Jr. (29) was driving the tanker truck through a northwest Atlanta neighborhood early morning as eight to 11 juveniles were shooting off firecrackers. As Diaz drove by, the juveniles threw a bottle rocket into the cab of the tractor-trailer. The rocket hit Diaz in the face and exploded. He lost control of the truck, which went down an embankment and overturned in a stand of pine trees. The wrecked truck began leaking diesel fuel, which prompted the evacuation of nearby homes. Diaz suffered serious injuries that required seven hours of brain surgery. 5.7.2005

Source: 

"Attacked trucker seeks healing, answers", 16.7.2005, http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/mld/ledgerenquirer/news/politics/12150490.htm

"Fireworks injure Tanker Driver", 5.7.2005, http://www.11alive.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=65702

Bedford County. Several youths began shooting Roman candles. Fireworks struck and injured Lois A. Campbell as she walked near her home at night. She was treated for burns. 5.7.2005

Clay County, Fl. A home at 3690 Silver Bluff Blvd. caught fire after police say children played with leftover fireworks. Everyone got out of the house safely. Four cats died in the fire but firefighters were able to save a fifth one. Damage: $150 – 200,000. 5.7.2005

Source:

"Children playing with fireworks set home on fire", 5.7.2005, http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/topstories/news-article.aspx?storyid=39982

"House fire that killed cats blamed on firecracker", 6.7.2005, http://www.news4jax.com/news/4687996/detail.html

Evanston, suburb of Chicago, Ill. Josh Kerns, a fireworks technician, was hit in side and shoulder by an aerial display shell that went off prematurely during a show and has to be treated for second- and third-degree burns. 5.7.2005

Source: http://www.wqad.com/Global/story.asp?S=3556555

Leavenworth. Fireworks were discovered in two mailboxes. What turned out to be several sparklers wrapped together was said to have resembled a pipe bomb in a mailbox at 20958 Stranger Road. The item was disposed of by the local bomb squad. About an hour earlier a postal carrier noticed a string coming out of a mailbox at 38 Vilas St. The string was attached to a small firework, which apparently would have gone off if the mailbox had been opened. 5.7.2005

Source: http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/articles/2005/07/06/news/news06.txt

Lualualei Naval Reservation. Fire officials say it appears fireworks caused the brushfire. 5.7.2005

Source: http://khon.com/khon/display.cfm?storyID=5299&sid=1152

Manteca. Three grass fires were suspected to be caused by fireworks in addition to damage to the outside of a house caused in the early hours from improper disposal of fireworks. 5.7.2005

Source: "Four fireworks caused fires so far in Manteca", 4.7.2006, http://www.mantecabulletin.com/articles/2006/07/04/news/news3.txt

Maui County. Firefighters responded to about 30 fires, more than half of them fireworks-related, throughout Maui County on July 4 and July 5, 2005.

Source: http://www.mauinews.com/story.aspx?id=10311

Missoula. Stray fireworks caused a fire on the porch of the home of Nancy and Brad Pickhardt's home at 234 E. Beckwith Ave. just after midnight. Damage: about $35,000. 5.7.2005

Source: "Fireworks take a toll on Missoula home", 5.7.2005, http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2005/07/23/news/local/news07.txt

Modesto. The police Fourth of July Task Force issued 48 citations for illegal fireworks over the four-day holiday weekend. This was the first year the unit was formed specifically for the Fourth of July. - A citizen called them after he found a homemade bomb July 2, 2005, in the 1100 block of Morse Avenue. The bomb was a can filled with a nitro solution with a firework attached to its side. The bomb squad destroyed the device. 

Source: 5.7.2005, http://www.modbee.com/local/story/10831614p-11606337c.html

Nashville, Tenn. Vandals threw lit fireworks and rocks at the Lao Buddhapathip Temple. The temple sustained minor interior damage. 

Source: 5.7.2005, http://www.volunteertv.com/Global/story.asp?S=3557622

Oahu. Firefighters battled 86 brush fires and rubbish fires on July 4 and July 5, 2005, half of which were fireworks related, according to Honolulu Fire Department.

Source: http://starbulletin.com/breaking/breaking.php?id=3580 

Rockford. Fire sparked by bottle rockets destroyed a house on Sanford Street, but 13 children who were inside escaped unharmed. Damage: at least $40,000. 

Source: 5.7.2005, http://www.rrstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050706/NEWs0107/507060318/1004/NEWS

Waipahu. An apartment fire that displaced three dozen residents was started by fireworks that ignited a pile of clothes that had been collected for donations. 5.7.2005

Source: "Fireworks set donation ablaze", 7.7.2005, http://starbulletin.com/2005/07/07/news/story5.html

Kansas City, Mo. Two men (both 23) were driving near 43^rd Street and Northern Avenue when one lit a mortar shell and tried to throw it out a window. Instead, it fell to the floor, igniting 19 other mortar shells on the floorboard. At 43^rd Street and Sterling the driver stopped the car as the large fireworks exploded. When the police arrived, they found heavy damage to the vehicle. One man had fled, the other was sitting near the car with severe burns to his arms, legs and said he was suffering hearing damage. The police finally found the second man, who had mild burns to his right arm and also suffered hearing loss. 6.7.2005

Source: "2 men hurt when fireworks explode in car", 7.7.2005, http://www.thekansascitychannel.com/news/4693354/detail.html

Klair Estates, Wilmington/Delaware. As a boy (14) set off firecreackers in a bedroom in his home, a curtain caught fire. Damage: $500. The boy was arrested and charged with reckless burning and possession of fireworks. 6.7.2005

Source: http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/news/070705_nw_fireworkscharge.html

Pima County. The Pima Animal Care Center reported 35 dead animals, most of them dogs, that had been hit and killed by cars during the Fourth of July holidays as the noise from fireworks spooked animals out of homes and yards and into Pima County streets.

Source: 6.7.2005, http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0706DeadDogs06-ON.html

West Valley City. A boy (12) has confessed to starting a massive fire July 7 around 7 p.m. at Advanced R-V Supply, that caused at least $700,000 damage, and forced the evacuation of an apartment complex. The boy said that he was in a back corner of the RV lot, lightning fireworks with a friend. One of the fireworks lit a propane tank, which then started the overall fire. The smoke billowed about 100 feet in the air. Sixty four-wheelers and snowmobiles, and a handful o RVs are completely lost. 7.7.2005

Source: http://tv.ksl.com/index.php?nid=5&sid=217429

Wetzel. Kenneth Garlick, a pharmacist, was trying to make homemade fireworks in an outbuilding next to his home, lost limbs and suffered eye damage when something detonated in front of him. He was listed in critical condition. 

Source: 7.7.2005, http://www.wvnstv.com/story.cfm?func=viewstory&storyid=3824

Oakland police confiscated 800 pounds of illegal fireworks and arrested 5 people for possession on the Fourth of July weekend.

Source: "Police tally cache of illegal fireworks", 8.7.2005, http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/07/08/BAGK4DKR5R1.DTL

Rapid City. Officials determined that a grass fire, which was called in about 4:30 p.m. and contained within 15 minutes, was caused by fireworks. Three fire engines responded to the scene. 8.7.2005

Source: "Fireworks spark grass fire", 9.7.2005, http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2005/07/09/news/local/news02.txt

Simi Valley. Police received 463 fireworks-related calls. The police also seized illegal pyrotechnics on 50 different occasions over the weekend. 

Source: "Police get hundreds of fireworks complaints", 8.7.2005, http://www.simivalleyacorn.com/news/2005/0708/Front_Page/002.html

South Bend, IN. Alberto Navarro (14) is in fair condition after he underwent at least two surgeries at hospital. He was riding in a truck and playing with a fireworks when it blew up in his hand. Police say he was holding a handmade firecracker with three-fourths the power of a stick of dynamite. 9.7.2005

Source: 9.7.2005, http://www.wndu.com/news/072005/news_43352.php

Ellington, Conn. State police evacuated a neighborhood around 4:50 a.m. after they said Patrick Jacques (21) threw fireworks and fired gunshots at state troopers who responded to a noise complaint at his home. He will be charged.

Source: 16.7.2005, http://www.boston.com/news/local/connecticut/articles/2005/07/16/police_say_man_fired_shots_fireworks_at_troopers/

Carlisle, Ohio. A two-story house at 180 Christina Way sustained an estimated $80,000 in structural damages and $20,000 in loss of contents after the south side of the garage was blown out and a small fire was started. Investigators say that large fireworks (not normal firecrackers, these are 3-inch mortar shells, and that is high-powered explosives) were to blame for the explosion and that the garage was being used to store a stash of fireworks. The owner said he believes a leaking propane bottle may have been the cause of the explosion and argued, a fireworks explosion would have caused more damage to his neighbor's home. 18.7.2005  

Source:

"Fireworks explode, blow up home garage", 19.7.2005, http://www.channelcincinnati.com/news/4738407/detail.html

"Fireworks blamed for garage explosion", 20.7.2005, http://news.webindia123.com/news/showdetails.asp?id=98911&cat=World

"Fireworks still eyed in Carlisle blast", 20.7.2005, http://www.middletownjournal.com/local/content/news/stories/2005/07/20/mj0720carlexplosionfolo.html

St. Paul. In the afternoon two houses went up in flames. The St. Paul Fire Department said the fire began when one of the children threw some sort of fireworks out of a kitchen door. It landed on a large deck and ignited some items there, including a grill and a propane tank. The fire quickly engulfed the rear of the home. 18.7.2005

Source: "St. Paul family homeless – but safe – after fire. Parents and 11 children count their blessings", 20.7.2005, http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/12172922.htm

State fire officials report that more than 160 people were treated in Illinois hospitals for fireworks-related injuries from June 23 to July 20, 2005. The injuries included burns, abrasions, blindness, deafness and dismemberment.

Source: "New law allows for larger fireworks displays", 30.6.2006, http://www.pantagraph.com/articles/2006/06/30/news/doc44a4ac9c6bb32916584538.txt

Billings. Residents of the 3600 block of Vickery Drive blamed a group of kids playing with fireworks for starting a blaze that burned tow acres of grassland in a vacant field at the intersection of 38^th Street West and Rimrock Road. 21.7.2005

Source: "Fireworks blamed for grass fire", 22.7.2005, http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?id=1&display=rednews/2005/07/22/build/local/88-fire.inc

North Table Mountain/Jefferson County. Firefighters in Jefferson County on Friday evening contained a rapidly spreading grass fire that burned more than 200 acres. Authorities say the fire was sparked by fireworks and have questioned three teens. A backpack full of fireworks was found near where the fire started. 22.7.2005

"Authorities believe teens with fireworks sparked grass fire", 23.7.2005, http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/4761368/detail.html

Birmingham, Alabama. Fireworks (a bottle rocket) exploded in the mouth of 3-year old Amendo McKee. He suffered burns in his throat and left today Children's Hospital after two days worth of treatments. It happened behind the family's apartment at 532 Smythe Curve. Investigations were made if this was an accident or someone gave it to him and told him to place the fireworks in his mouth. A  13-year old neigborhood boy is suspected. 24.7.2005

Source: "Three-year-old hurt when firecracker explodes in mouth", 24.7.2005, http://www.wsfa.com/Global/story.asp?S=3560277

Anaheim. Three 40-foot trailers filled with professional-grade Fireworks used in fireworks shows were found in a truck trailer at a storage yard at 710 E. La Palma Ave. on July 27. Residents in the 900 block of Pauline Street were evacuated as a precaution and a two-block area surrounding the yard was shut to traffic. Those 24 homes remained evacuated today as the bomb squad continued inspecting the fireworks. 28.7.2005

Source: 

"Fireworks found, 12 homes evacuated", 29.7.2005, http://www.latimes.com/news/local/state/la-me-fireworks29jul29,1,1353587.story?coll=la-news-state&ctrack=1&cset=true

"Fireworks a burden for residents", 30.7.2005, http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-fireworks30jul30,1,7809288.story?coll=la-headlines-california

Honolulu. The number of injuries reported from recent Fourth of July fireworks season was the highest since the State Department of Health began keeping records: 57 people hurt (2004: 32, 2003: 17).

75% of those injured were under 18.

Most injuries were to children 14 years old or younger (four are between 6 and 9 years old).

Males were injured more often than females (3-to-1).

Most injuries were burns.

There were 115 fireworks injuries this year, 2004: 72, 2003: 59, 2002: 80, 2001: 59.

<<We see a lot of asthmatics from all the smoke from the fireworks. We have a big problem with asthmatics having asthma attacks,>> Dr. William Lee of Straub Clinic and Hospital said.

Source :

"Fireworks injuries hit record high", 28.7.2005, http://www.thehawaiichannel.com/health/4784207/detail.html

"July Fourth fireworks injuries keep growing, at 57 this year", 29.7.2005, http://starbulletin.com/2005/07/29/news/story11.html

South Salem. Firefighters spent 1½ hours battling a feast-spreading grass fire, that was consuming about 4 acres of a field in the 8400 block of Koosaw Lane S at 10:45 p.m. Investigators determined that the fire was sparked by illegal fireworks.  

Source: 28.7.2005, http://159.54.226.83/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050730/NEWS/507300317/1001

Kansas City, Kan. Someone packed together fireworks like a small bomb, strapped them to the door on the front of Barclift's home and lit them early morning. The door was blown open and glass from a window shattered. 2.8.2005

Source: "Vandals hit KCK home with fireworks", 2.8.2005, http://www.thekansascitychannel.com/news/4800639/detail.html

Manchester, Ohio. A container designed to direct a burst of fireworks into the sky over the Ohio River malfunctioned, firing toward the crowd. Keeping the crowd a safe distance away from the firing line is credited for the small number of injuries. 6.8.2005

Source:

"Fireworks mishap gives spectators a scare in Manchester",

http://www.maysville-online.com/articles/2005/08/08/local_news/890dud.txt

"Fireworks show halted for accident", http://www.peoplesdefender.com/main.asp?SectionID=13&SubSectionID=83&ArticleID=122204

Dewey Hill. Investigators say some of the fireworks exploded too low to the ground night of August 6, 2005, catching the dry dune grass on fire. A second grass fire broke out August 7, 2005. This fire burned only a few acres.

Source:

"Fireworks display sparks brush fire in Grand Haven", 8.8.2005, http://wwmt.com/engine.pl?station=wwmt&id=18502&template=breakout_local.html

"Fires provide a festival thrill on Dewey Hill", 8.8.2005, http://www.mlive.com/news/muchronicle/index.ssf?/base/news-4/1123514126186310.xml&coll=8

"Fireworks show takes a turn when Grand Haven's famed hill goes up in flames", 8.8.2005, http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=3692421&nav=0Rced2wI

"Fires provide a festival thrill on Dewey Hill", 8.8.2005, http://www.mlive.com/news/muchronicle/index.ssf?/base/news-4/1123514126186310.xml&coll=8

Snohomish County. An 18-foot Bayliner used in the Sheriff's Office's boating safety program was sabotaged when someone set off a sparkler bomb that damaged the boat so badly it had to be taken out of service. The bomb, made of fireworks sparklers, was configured with BBs, making it an "anti-personnel device". The BBs packed with the bomb acted as shrapnel and increased the damage. The bomb blew out the boat's windshield and damaged radios, gauges and controls. Damage: at least $2000.

Source: 7.8.2005, http://www.heraldnet.com/stories/05/08/26/100loc_boat001.cfm

Mason City, Iowa. A man was allegedly making fireworks in his camper at the MacNider Campgrounds, sparking the explosion that occurred August 12, 2005.

Source:

"Man injured in fireworks accident", 14.8.2005, http://www.crgazette.com/2005/08/14/Home/News/fireworksaccident.htm

"New details in camper explosion", 13.8.2005, http://www.kimt.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=KIMT/MGArticle/IMT_BasicArticle&c=MGArticle&cid=1031784426202&path=

Oconomowoc. The Deputy Fire Chief said a shift in the wind's direction is to blame for a fire on top of Olympia ski hill at about 9 p.m. "There were fireworks being launched, and the wind changed, which caused an area of grass to catch fire."

There is an area of burned grass about 50 feet by 70 feet area on the south side of the ski hill. Source: 16.8.2005, http://www.gmtoday.com/news/local_stories/2005/August_05/08152005_02.asp

Crestline, Kansas. An explosion killed two people and injured several others at a commercial fireworks storage site east of Crestline on Wyandotte Road. One of the injured has severe burns over 80 percent of his body with injuries that are life-threatening.

The Kansas Higway Patrol said four people were injured, the company said three were injured.

A loud explosion was followed by a series of smaller explosions that shook homes. The magazine and a trailer were destroyed. Two emergency helicopters were brought in.

Galena fire Chief Bill Hall said the explosion happened when workers were transferring fireworks from a box trailer to a horse trailer to take to a fireworks display. "Workers told us one guy put a box down on the edge of the trailer and the box just exploded," Hall said. "The two guys (inside the horse trailer) who get killed apparently ran to the back of the horse trailer, but there was no exit there and they didn't have a chance." 18.8.2005

Source:

"Fireworks explosion in Kansas kills two", 18.8.2005, http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-5219051,00.html

"Fireworks company releases statement", 18.8.2005, http://www.joplinglobe.com/story.php?story_id=202052 

"Deadly fireworks explosion", 18.8.2005, http://www.wibw.com/home/headlines/1779252.html

Nashville, Tenn. Five people were injured (three were taken to hospital, one with serious burns) by a fireworks display at a Nashville Sounds game. Preliminary investigations suggest two missiles hit in midair and some debris fell on the spectators. - The team shoots off fireworks after most Friday and Saturday night home games, but fireworks shows will be suspended during an investigation by Metro fire officials. 

Source: 19.8.2005, http://www.fairviewobserver.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050821/COUNTY0107/508210390/1006/MTCN06

Kansas City, Mo. An explosive device was found in a mailbox on 87^th Terrace near Wornall Road. Officials said it was a box wrapped in Duct and electrical tape that had an M-80 inside. Police said the tape wrapping was so thick that if the illegal fireworks had been detonated, it probably wouldn't have done much damage. 22.8.2005

Source: "M-80 found in KC mailbox", 22.8.2005, http://www.thekansascitychannel.com/news/4883772/detail.html

Arizona. Two boys (both 18) were taken into custody after campus police of the University of Arizona received a call about an explosive being thrown from a car. Police said, it was a super-sized firework that could have caused serious injury or death if it had been in close proximity to a person. Both boys were arrested and booked into jail. 23.8.2005

Source: "2 men arrested in detonation of large fireworks device on UA campus", 24.8.2005, http://kvoa.com/Global/story.asp?S=3759289

Town of Sheboygan. Two grass fires were reported 2:03 p.m. and 2:06 p.m. and authorities believe fireworks are to blame.

Source: 24.8.2005, http://www.wisinfo.com/sheboyganpress/news/archive/local_22337414.shtml

Hawthorne. Two boys (9 and 10) playing with fireworks accidentally set fire to a detached garage at 41 Alexandria Ave early afternoon.

The Fire Chief said he believed that the boys lit low-grade fireworks while the garage was closed. The fireworks shot upward, igniting a loft storage area where boxes of dry hay were kept with old furniture and other items. The loft collapsed, causing debris to fall to the garage floor. Neither of the children was injured.

Source: 25.8.2005, http://www.bergen.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2MDYmZmdiZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTY3NTQ2OTQmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkz

Fair Play, Oconee County, South Carolina. For an unknown reason, flames erupted inside Crazy Steve's Fireworks store, at S.C. 59 and Interstate 85 about 1 a.m., giving about 100 firefighters from Anderson and Oconee counties a workout for nearly 10 hours. Fireworks were still exploding on the site early morning. The business was destroyed in the blaze. 27.8.2005

Source: http://www.independentmail.com

Woodside Glen. The fire, which destroyed four apartment homes and rendered two more uninhabitable, is thought to have been started by fireworks being thrown onto the balcony of apartment 20, firefighters said. The cause of the fire has not been confirmed and is still under investigation. 2.9.2005

Source: "Six families living in limbo after fire", http://www.dailydemocrat.com/news/ci_2996180

Las Vegas fire officials say they want more stringent restrictions (e.g. all fireworks shot from hotel rooftops may be fired straight up rather than at angles, larger safety areas for fireworks debris etc.) about New Year's Eve fireworks to protect the hotel-casinos taking part and the tens of thousands of spectators who crowd Las Vegas Boulevard. 

"Vegas-area firefighters worrying about New Year's Eve fireworks", 7.9.2005, http://www.kesq.com/Global/story.asp?S=3817400

Grand Rapids. One person was hurt during the fireworks display in Downtown and taken to the hospital with burns. Gordon Rosen (32) was watching the fireworks show when one low exploding firework sent shrapnel flying into the crowd. He was struck by several pieces and suffered burn and puncture wounds on his chest, arms and legs. Five or six other people were treated at the scene. - Fire investigators say the accident was caused by a bad shell and that all safety precautions were followed. The law requires spectators be allowed no closer than 280 feet from where the shell are fired and Rosen was 360-feet away. Wind speed and direction were also well within safety limits. 9.9.2005

Source:

"Man injured during fireworks show", 10.9.2005, http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=3832634&nav=0RceeNHe

"1 person hurt in fireworks accident at celebration on the Grand", 9.9.2005, http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=44014

"Spectator injured by fireworks", 10.9.2005, http://www.mlive.com/news/grpress/index.ssf?/base/news-24/1126347433140830.xml&coll=6

"Burns deliver lesson on fireworks", 11.9.2005, http://www.mlive.com/news/grpress/index.ssf?/base/news-24/112643396234440.xml&coll=6

"Investigators reveal cause of mishap at fireworks show", 14.9.2005, http://www.woodtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=3845834&nav=0RceeU0C

Oakland. Oakland Raiders game at the Coliseum: Police said hundreds of illegal fireworks were set off in the Coliseum and nearby parking lots after the game, resulting in four arrests and a warning that officers will be cracking down on such activity in the future. Two men (32 and 30) and a boy (15): arrested on suspicion of possession of an explosive device in public and explosion of a destructive device.

Some of the packages of fireworks seized by police had warning labels stating they are "dangerous explosives" to be used by "licensed display operators only". None of those arrested had such a license. Police estimated the value of all the fireworks – both confiscated and used – at several thousand dollars. 18.9.2005

Source: "4 held in Coliseum fireworks incident", http://www.insidebayarea.com/argus/localnews/ci_3045316

Washington. Hundreds of residents took cover in buildings and made panicked calls to local police and fire departments for more than an hour, unaware that the loud explosions they heard were from a fireworks display near the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The noise, which sounded like machine-gun fire to some and like bombs or cannonballs to others, could be heard as far away as upper Northwest Washington and Falls Church.

District emergency officials, aware of the scheduled fireworks display, nonetheless sent out firetrucks as a precaution in response to the numerous reports of noise, smoke and haze.

Residents, later interviewed, told, the explosions did not sound like typical fireworks and that they never heard fireworks this loud. 1.10.2005

Source: "Fireworks cause deluge of panicked calls in D.C.", 3.10.2005, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/02/AR2005100201515.html

Responding to a call made at 11:13 a.m. on October 7, 2005, authorities arrived at 527 Midvale Ave. to find an improvised explosive device made from two M-80 fireworks taped together. One of the fireworks was detonated but the other was a dud (M-80s are illegal in the United States). The LAPD bomb squad inspected and detonated the device shortly after 1 p.m. October 7, 2005. While the bomb squad was working, a portion of Midvale Avenue around the building was closed to vehicular and pedestrian access, but no buildings were evacuated.

Los Angeles Police Department officials said October 11, 2005, that two juvenile suspects are being sought in connection with the incident.

Source: "Explosives examined. 2 juveniles suspected in investigation of incident at Westwood apartment ", 12.10.2005, http://www.dailybruin.ucla.edu/news/articles.asp?id=34439

Torrance, Calif. A suspicious device that prompted the evacuation of the Hickory Street Elementary School at 12:53 p.m. turned out to be burned-up fireworks. A bomb squad was called to check out what appeared to be a pipe bomb. At 2:20 p.m., officials determined the device was not an explosive, but burned-up fireworks. 12.10.2005

Source: "Burned-up fireworks prompt school evacuation", 12.10.2005, http://www.nbc4.tv/news/5091433/detail.html

Casper, Wyoming. Tommy Lee, Motley Crue drummer, suffered minor burns when a firework stunt went wrong during a concert. The accident occurred while Tommy was supended 30 metres above the stage from a wire. According to onlookers, he was injured when sparks from a fireworks display temporarily engulfed him. 14.10.2005

Source: "Tommy Lee treated for burns after fireworks drama", 14.10.2005, http://tonight.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=2947036&fSectionId=354&fSetId=251

West Mifflin. A man (18) and his cousin were playing around with a firework at 10:30 a.m. The man lit the device and quickly went into the bathroom to turn the water on to put it out, and it didn't go out. It blew up in his hand. The man was taken to hospital for treatment. - Authorities are unsure what type of firework was involved in the incident; it was powerful enough to blow up a bathroom sink and cabinet. 30.10.2005

Source: "Man injured in fireworks accident", 31.10.2005, http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=15484473&BRD=1282&PAG=461&dept_id=182121&rfi=6

St. Joseph County, South Bend, IN. Fire at a garage on Lilac Road at about 3.15 p.m. Dispatchers warned responding firefighters about fireworks inside the 2-story, 3-stall garage. Firefighters say as soon as they got there they did have to deal with lot of explosions, including oxygen and acetylene tanks that blew-up. Damage: $50,000 to $60,000. 19.11.2005

Source: http://www.wndu.com/news/112005/news_46066.php

Lee. About 2.30 p.m. a family's home in Spencer Lane was destroyed in a fire started by a teenage son (12) playing with fireworks in a garage. No one was injured, but the two-story, 2,408 foot home was likely completely destroyed. 20.11.2005

Source: http://www.theunionleader.com/articles_showfast.html?article=63278

Eagle County. Men tried to shoot fireworks into the air through a tube at the Brett Ranch area. A man (40) held the tube while someone else lit the fuse and tried to place it on the ground. But as he placed it in front of him, the device exploded and hit him in the chest. He died at a Medical Center a short time later. 8.12.2005

Source: "Man dies after fireworks device explodes, hits chest", 9.12.2005, http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/5501877/detail.html

Eagleville/Missouri. Shelton's fireworks caught fire just after 4 p.m. No injuries were reported, but the building was a total loss. The water supply was exhausted fighting the blaze; more water had to be brought from nearby water districts in tankers.

Source:

"Eagleville fireworks stand goes up in smoke", 13.12.2005, http://www.kq2.com/news/default.asp?mode=shownews&id=2827

"Fireworks warehouse goes up in flames", 13.12.2005, http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/local/13401659.htm

Carbon Hill, Ala. Crazy Bill's Fireworks stand apparently went out with a bang. A fire erupted in the stand about 2 a.m. Countless bottle rocket sticks could be seen littering the supermarket parking lot later in the day. The cause of the fire wasn't immediately known. 19.12.2005 

Source: "Carbon Hill fireworks stand goes out with a big bang", 19.12.2005, http://www.al.com/newsflash/regional/index.ssf?/base/news-18/113511174766200.xml&storylist=alabamanews

Bryan. A fire destroyed the mobile home of a mother and her three sons. Investigators still were trying to sort out what happened, but said they believe a spark from fireworks is the culprit. 27.12.2005

Source: "Sparkler may be to blame for Bryan house fire", 28.12.2005, http://www.theeagle.com/stories/122805/local_20051228003.php

Tampa. A woman (48) lost four fingers when a firework she thought was a candle blew up in her hand. She was without electricity because of a water leak that got into wiring of the building, was looking for a candle, thought she found one and lit the fireworks instead, which exploded in her left hand essentially blowing off four fingers. 27.12.2005

Source: "Fireworks maim Tampa Woman", 27.12.2005, http://www.tampabays10.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=22981

Albany. Jim Andrews booth at Kitty's Flea Market on Sylvester Road went up in flames about 6.30. All his merchandise was destroyed. Fire investigators believe these bottle rockets sparked that fire. Witnesses say three teenage boys were shooting off the fireworks. Damage caused by the fire: about $500. 28.12.2005

Source: "Fireworks cause flea market fire", 5.1.2006, http://www.walb.com/Global/story.asp?S=4325559&nav=5kZQ

Reseda. At 9.01 p.m., a man (48) was running toward the LAFD Paramedics with hand injuries (an avulsion of the left thumb and small finger as well as significant tissue damage to that hand). According to the man's later statements, he had been handling a variety of fireworks, including some possibly modified devices, when they inadvertently discharged. He stated this happened when he was startled by the ambulance siren, which he believed may have been police officers coming for him.

Source: "Reseda man injured by illicit fireworks", 29.12.2005, http://lafd.blogspot.com/2005/12/reseda-man-injured-by-illicit.html

Minoa, N.Y. A boy (12) who played with a firework in his bedroom had to have his left hand amputated after it exploded in his hand. - The parents didn't hear the firework being lighted because the boy had the television on. 30.12.2005

Source:

"Fireworks blast injures Minoa boy", 1.1.2006, http://www.syracuse.com/news/poststandard/index.ssf?/base/policeblotter-0/1136108380315270.xml&coll=1

"Boy who played with fireworks loses hand", 3.1.2006, http://www.wstm.com/Global/story.asp?S=4307715&nav=2aKD

"Boy who played with fireworks loses hand", 2.1.2006, http://www.syracuse.com/news/updates/index.ssf?/mtlogs/syr_poststandard/archives/2006_01.html

Fort Collins. The carriage was carrying a family of four about 8 p.m. A firecracker was thrown at the horse. Horse and carriage veered away from the intersection and colliding with a car. The driver of the carriage, thrown to the ground, was taken to hospital, where she was treated for injuries. Horse and passengers were unharmed. 31.12.2005

Source: "Carriage horse spooked by fireworks, driver hurt", 1.1.2006, http://www.9news.com/acm_news.aspx?OSGNAME=KUSA&IKOBJECTID=8709b396-0abe-421a-0082-0e91a5c6fef8&TEMPLATEID=0c76dce6-ac1f-02d8-0047-c589c01ca7bf

Oahu. There were two building fires related to fireworks. 31.12.2005

Source: "No major New Year's fireoworks problems", 1.1.2006, http://www.thehawaiichannel.com/news/5789248/detail.html 

Colville Indian Reservation. 2005, only eight fires were attributed to fireworks, most extinguished easily. But the last one burned 4,000 acres and cost $2 million to fight.

Source: "Burn ban set locally", 28.6.2006, http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16858311&BRD=1013&PAG=461&dept_id=387707&rfi=6

U.S. Fire Administration/National Fire Data Center

The Dangers of Fireworks

Topical Fire Research Series, Volume 5, Issue 4 – June 2005

A copy of the full report can be downloaded from  http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/statistics/reports/tfrs_issue_index.shtm

2004

Oahu. According to the department's Injury Prevention and Control Program, 72 people were treated for fireworks-related injuries at emergency rooms statewide during New Year celebrations and 4 more for smoke inhalation. Oahu reported 69% of the injuries; Maui 17%, Hawaii 10% and Kauai 4%.

Type of fireworks that caused the most injury: "flowers" and sparklers.

Majority of the injuries (89%): burns, caused when people were igniting or holding the fireworks.

Most of the victims: male (71%) / 17 years or younger (74%/5 victims were between 1 and 4 years). 1.2.2004  

Source:

"State says 72 hurt by New Year's fireworks", 1.2.2004, http://starbulletin.com/2004/02/01/news/briefs.html

"Fireworks sent 76 to doctors", 1.2.2004, http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2004/Feb/01/ln/ln39a.html#top

"Dozens injured by New Year's fireworks", 30.1.2004, http://cms.firehouse.com/content/article/article.jsp?id=25428&sectionId=46

Plymouth. First came the explosion that rocked nearby homes. Then, West Main Video, housing obviously more than movies, burst into an inferno and spouted continuous streams of fireworks throughout the night sky. Televised reports indicated the blaze began at the rear of the building. The initial explosion blew out the glass front of the store. Two nearby buildings sustained minor damage. 3.4.2004

Source: "Fireworks galore spew  as Pennsylvania store burns", 5.4.2004, http://cms.firehouse.com/content/article/article.jsp?id=28647&sectionId=46

Bakersfield, Calif. Bakersfield Fire Chief Ron Fraze suggested banning fireworks in city limits. Fraze proposed the city phase out fireworks over the next two to five years. He said 300 other cities in California have already banned the sale or use of fireworks.

Source: "Fire Chief Wants to Ban Fireworks – Fraze Suggests Two-To-five Year Phase-Out", 26.4.2004, http://cms.firehouse.com/content/article/article.jsp?id=29648&sectionId=46

George, Iowa. Byron Kaiser (52) illegally making powerful fireworks died after the materials ignited, causing an explosion so powerful that it blew off his hands. He was mixing together gun powder, sulfur chlorate and phosphorous in his living room at the time of the blast. Lyon County Sheriff Blythe Bloomendaal described the fireworks Kaiser was making as being in tubes about round as a half-dollar and about 3-inches long, probably ten times the power of a normal M-80, a powerful firework illegal in the United States. The blast blew the windows out of the home and sent shrapnel through the living room walls. 4.6.2004

Source: "Iowa man making fireworks dies after powerful blast", 6.6.2004, http://cms.firehouse.com/content/article/article.jsp?id=31308&sectionId=46

Melbourne/Florida. Artavia Walker died June 29, 2004, from burns he received when fireworks in his car ignited June 28, 2004. The passenger in the car, Antonio Robinson, was able to get out of the vehicle a few blocks before the car crashed into a light pole. Police say Walker and Robinson were driving the car around Melbourne, lighting illegal fireworks and tossing them out the window. Investigators believe a spark ignited a back seat loaded with pyrotechnics and the car exploded in flames.

Source: "One dead after illegal fireworks explode inside of car", 29.6.2004, http://www.wftv.com/news/3472070/detail.html

Lorain, Ohio. Jesse Franklin Jr. (7) lost his fingers and most of his right hand and also suffered burns to his face and chest while playing with an H-100 firecracker in his bedroom.

Lorain police say the boy’s father Franklin Sr. is in jail, because he has been charged with child endangering because he left the H-100 firecracker in plain sight on his bedroom dresser . 30.6.2004

Source: 

"Boy loses most of hand in fireworks accident", 1.7.2004, http://www.newsnet5.com/news/3481873/detail.html 

"Boy who lost most of hand to firecracker upgraded to serious", 2.7.2004, http://www.newsnet5.com/news/3482824/detail.html 

"Fireworks accident: Boy upgraded to fair condition", 5.7.2004, http://www.newsnet5.com/news/3494123/detail.html  

Calumet City, Ill. There was an estimated one hundred thousand dollars damage to the house on Yates Avenue where a teenager dropped lighted fireworks into the mail slot that ignited a fire that spread through the one-story brick bungalow. Eleanor Moll (76) was found July 3, 2004, by paramedics on her kitchen floor with no pulse and suffering from smoke inhalation. She died 11 days later in hospital without ever regaining consciousness.

Investigators ruled the fire was arson and Moll's death a homicide.  

A youth (16) was charged with involuntary manslaughter in the fireworks incident that led to the death of Eleanore Moll. Cook County prosecutors decided not to charge the teen as an adult but they upgraded the charges against him. The teen was originally charged with aggravated arson. Later, the youth pleaded guilty to arson and involuntary manslaughter for placing lit firecrackers in an elderly neighbor's house, setting it on fire and resulting Eleanore Moll's death. 

Source: 

Illinois woman dies after fireworks prank", 16.7.2004, http://cms.firehouse.com/content/article/article.jsp?id=32906&sectionId=17

"Tragic fireworks prank shatters victim's life", 6.7.2004, http://abclocal.go.com/wls/news/070504_ns_calcity_victim.html

"Teen Faces Charges in 76-Year-Old's Fireworks Death – Woman Dies When Fireworks Spark House fire", 26.8.2004, http://cms.firehouse.com/content/article/article.jsp?id=34547&sectionId=46

"Teen pleads guilty in fireworks death", 15.10.2004, http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-firecracker15.html

Tulsa, Oklahoma. Juveniles shot fireworks from an apartment building and caught the roof of the Iglesia Evangelica Cristiana Espiritual church on fire. Damage: $400,000. Tulsa Fire Department spokesman Hubert Rouse confirmed that fireworks caused the fire. 3.7.2004

Source: "Officials: Fireworks caused fire that gutted Oklahoma church", 5.7.2004, http://cms.firehouse.com/content/article/article.jsp?sectionId=46&id=32408

Monroe Township. A firework exploded causing eye injuries to a teen around 7 p.m. on Fair Oak Road. 4.7.2004

Source: http://www.wcpo.com/news/2004/local/07/04/fireworksax.html

Anaheim. A brother (17) and sister (13) sustained injuries from a homemade Fourth of July pipe bomb created by the brother out of steel pipe and gunpowder. The girl was treated for shrapnel wounds to her feet, legs and pelvic area, the brother's thumb had to be amputated. He also sustained injuries to his face, hands and legs. 4.7.2004

Source: 5.7.2004, http://www.presstelegram.com/Stories/0,1413,204%257E27141%257E2254520,00html?search=filter

Manson/USA. A fireworks mortar exploded on a barge where fireworks were being launched for Manson's annual Fourth of July display over Lake Chelan. One person was seriously hurt and four others suffered minor injuries. 4.7.2004

Source: "5 hurt in Lake Chelan fireworks accident", 5.7.2004, http://www.komotv.com/stories/32052.htm

Marysville. Jessica Velez (14) lost the lower part of her right leg in a Fourth of July fireworks explosion that also injured at least two dozen people. 4.7.2004 

Source:

"15 injured at Marysville fireworks show. 14-year-old girl loses leg in Fourth of July accident" (article included a Video Report), 5.7.2004, http://www.thekcrachannel.com/news/3494283/detail.html

Pittston. More than 10,000 people were at the July 4 fireworks display sponsored by Pittston and West Pittston in the Riverfront Park area over Susquehanna River around 10:15 p.m. when the misfired firework sent a shower of flames over other, nearby charges. The flames ignited those fireworks prematurely and damaged the tubes holding them, which caused the explosion and injured 13 people which had to have surgery by hospital. As many as 50 people were treated at the scene for minor cuts and scrapes. Among the hospitalised were two employees of Schaefer Pyrotechnics Inc., the Lancaster County company that ran the show. One suffered burns and smoke inhalation and the other suffered a "shrapnel gash to the upper left leg". 4.7.2004

Sacramento. Shortly after midnight, a fire destroyed a 38-unit apartment complex. Fireworks, used by children, ignited a blaze on a porch. More than 100 firefighters were involved in battling the blaze that caused $500,000 damage and forced the evacuation of the entire complex. 5.7.2004

Source: "Fireworks burn Sacramento apartment house", 5.7.2004, http://feeds.bignewsnetwork.com/?sid=6e80930ba31f58d6

Aurora. A woman watching a fireworks display in Bicentennial Park suffered a skull fracture, deep cuts and burns when a shell exploded near her face. The woman's boy (3) and husband suffered minor burns. 4.7.2004

Source: 6.7.2004, http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_3015175,00.html

Fayette/Seneca County. Four people were injured at a party about 10.30 p.m. at a home on South Parker Road, when a tube being used to launch fireworks exploded and sent debris into a group of partygoers. 4.7.2004

Source: 6.7.2004, http://www.democratandchronicle.com/news/07064Q4QOQR_news.shtml

Livingston. Daryl Hansen, a licensed pyrotechnician, has been in charge of the three-day Livingston Roundup Rodeo's fireworks show the past eight years. He was injured when a shell prematurely exploded on the groung during the show. The shell exploded inside a Fiberglas or plastic tube. Hansen was thrown several feet by the force of the explosion. 4.7.2004

Source: "Explosion injures fireworks technician", 6.7.2004

http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?id=1&display=phpdata/index.php?id=1&display=rednews/2004/07/06/build/state/65-fireworks-injury.inc

Gas City. Fire chief Davis Linn is recovering from burns to his neck and head - his eyes were also injured – he suffered in a fireworks explosion during the city's annual July Fourth celebration. Linn was lighting the first firework of the evening when it exploded in his face, knocking his helmet off. 4.7.2004

Source: 8.7.2004, http://www.wishtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=2015608&nav=0Ra7Ob4U

Elkhart. Police have charged an 11-year-old girl with a felony for lighting a bottle rocket that exploded and burned a two-year-old boy. The children were playing in a park on July 7^th, 2004, when the girl threw a lit bottle rocket. The rocket exploded near the Goshen boy's head, burning his face and arm.

Source: 17.7.2004, http://abclocal.go.com/wls/news/071704_ap_ns_fireworksinjury.html

Lawrence, Indianapolis. Police arrested two people around 11 p.m. evening for allegedly exploding a mailbox with fireworks. Corey Brandt (19) and a juvenile ace felony charges of possession of a destructive device and criminal mischief. Brandt will also face charges of fleeing and resisting police. 7.7.2004

Source: "Pair arrested after mailbox explodes", 8.7.2004 http://www.theindychannel.com/news/3505870/detail.html 

Orting, WA. Last week a man stopped in front of the Carr's farm and threw a firecracker, probably an M-80, into a horse's pasture. The curious horse - called "Stone" - picked it up. Just then, the firecracker blew up in his mouth. It knocked out at least one tooth. 

Source: "Horse hurt by fireworks slowly improving", 9.7.2004, http://www.komotv.com/stories/32125.htm

Indian Neck Beach/Wellfleet, Mass. Fireworks for a rescheduled Fourth of July weekend show exploded prematurely, destroying a truck and starting a brush fire. The explosions caused an impressive plume of smoke that people reported they could see for miles. - The company handling the display, Atlas PyroVision Productions of Jaffrey, N.H., said an electric-ignited fireworks shell prematurely fired during set-up, causing the fireworks to deonate on the ground instead. The accident sent 2,500 shells – about 25 minutes worth of fireworks – up in smoke. Tragedy was averted when the head technician immediately evacuated the staging area. 10.7.2004

Source: 

"Fireworks explode before show time", 11.7.2004, http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040711/NEWS02/207110388/-1/news

"Fireworks explode prematurely in Wellfleet, destroy truck", 10.7.2004, http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2004/07/10/fireworks_explode_prematurely_in_wellfleet_destroy_truck/

Salt Lake City. Two man planning to throw lighted fireworks from a car were burned when they forgot to roll down the window. Adam Weber (24) has second and third degree burns on his arms, legs and torso. The driver, Jared Williams, only had minor burns to his back. 

Source: 16.7.2004, http://cms.firehouse.com

Reno. A fire started by two teenagers playing with fireworks raced up a dry hillside and destroyed three homes, a fourth was heavily damaged and a fifth was slightly damaged Tuesday night in a residential neighbourhood a few miles north of downtown. 27.7.2004

Source: 28.7.2004, http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/news/072804_APnat_fireworksfire.html

Sedalia, Mo. Teens playing with fireworks set a house on fire, killing Clarence Averbeck (80), who was sleeping in his home when the fire broke out just before 10 p.m.; he died of smoke.

Early next morning, police arrested two boys (13 and 14). Prosecutors are reviewing the case to determine whether charges will be filed. 28.7.2004

Source: "Police: Fireworks spark house fire; man dies", 29.7.2004, http://www.thekansascitychannel.com/news/3595718/detail.html

Brooks, Marion County. Marion County commissioners are expected to vote next week whether to sue the Oregon State Fire Marshal's office, which delivered confiscated illegal fireworks for disposal at the waste-to-energy facility in Brooks in August 2004. The fireworks blew up in a feed chute leading to one of the plant's boilers, causing a half-million dollars in damages and forcing the plant to close for 17 days.

Source: "Fireworks damage to waste burner in Brooks might spark a lawsuite. County officials blame fire marshal for time and money lost in 2004", 18.7.2007, http://www.statesmanjournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070718/NEWS/707180321/1001

San Diego. A brush fire that blackened 65 acres near the San Diego Wild Animal Park was started by a boy playing with fireworks. The fire broke out near Bandy Canyon and Highland Valley roads in San Pasqual Valley. At least 100 firefighters, along with air tankers and helicopters, battled the blaze. 6.9.2004

Source: "Fireworks spark fire near wild animal park", 7.9.2004, http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/3710598/detail.html

Riverton. A fire apparently started around 2 p.m. September 18, 2004, south of Riverton along the Wind River by children playing with fireworks destroyed dozens of vehicles, several outbuildings and thousands of tons of stacked hay before being brought under control September 19, 2004. 9 people, including 7 firefighters, suffered minor injuries from smoke inhalation. Residents of about 80 homes who were evacuated September 18 were allowed to return home in the morning of September 19. "I'm guessing about a million-dollar fire loss," Riverton Fire Marshal Matt Lee said.

Source: "Fire causes $ 1 million in damage", 21.9.2004, http://www.billingsgazette.com/index.php?display=rednews/2004/09/21/build/wyoming/45-fire-damage.inc

Milan. A boy (12) at a Scouting event lost his left hand in an explosion, when he set off fireworks, culled together from debris left over from a fireworks show held at the site a few weeks earlier. 9.10.2004

Source: 11.10.2004, http://www.theunionleader.com/Articles_show.html?article=45390&archive=1

Ewa Beach. Three people were apparently attempting to put up a pole to string fireworks when the pole came into contact with a power line and they were shocked. A girl (16) and a boy (18) were last listed in critical condition. A man (38) was reported in serious condition. 30.12.2004 

Source: "3 injured stringing fireworks  near power line", 30.12.2004, http://www.thehawaiichannel.com/news/4037741/detail.html

Colville Indian Reservation. In 2004, fireworks started 10 fires on the reservation. 

Source: "Burn ban set locally", 28.6.2006, http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16858311&BRD=1013&PAG=461&dept_id=387707&rfi=6

2004 nearly 9,600 people in the nation went to hospital emergency rooms for treatment of fireworks injuries, according to Straub Hospital. The hospital's Dr. Jeffrey Kam, of the allergy and immunology department, said nearly 79,000 asthma patients in the islands – including 25,000 children – suffer every New Year's because of the related smoke.

Source: "Hawaii New Year's Fireworks Tradition is Dangerous", 30.12.2005, http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2005/12/30/63620.htm

Chalmette, La. A boy (11) suffered second-degree burns to his left leg, arm and hand when a sparkler he was holding ignited bottle rockets in his pants pocket. 31.12.2004

Source: "Louisiana boy injured when fireworks in pocket ignite", 6.1.2005, http://cms.firehouse.com/content/article/article.jsp?sectionId=46&id=38050  

Donald "Buck" Newell (62), president of Keystone Fireworks and Specialty Sales Co. in Dunbar, Fayette County, was injured on his left food when he was setting off a 6-inch shell in a fireworks display for Latrobe's 150 anniversary when it blew up inside a mortar tube on the ground. The exlosion blew apart the rack holding a couple of other mortar tubes, which prematurely launched the fireworks inside. The explosion shattered four bones in his heel and ankle. The explosion also spewed embers onto Memorial Park Stadium and the top of the pool house at Rogers-McFeely Memorial Pool. 31.12.2004

Source: "Man injured while setting off fireworks", 2.1.2005, http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/trib/westmoreland/s_289031.html  

You can download a free copy of U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) "2004 Fireworks Annual Report. Fireworks-Related Deaths, Emergency Department-Treated Injuries and Enforcement Activities During 2004" (June 2005) under http://www.cpsc.gov/LIBRARY/2004fwreport.pdf

2003

Cass County. A 18-year-old boy died January 8, 2003, from burns suffered in New Year's Day fireworks accident. He and three others were hurt when a large, mortar-type fireworks device exploded as it was being lit. Another 18-year-old boy was briefly hospitalized for burns to his forehead. 

Source: 10.1.2003, http://www.wndu.com/news/012003/news_18158.php

Harris County. A two-year-old was burned while her family was shooting the fireworks. The firecracker exploded, burning the girl from the neck to the waist. Harris County Fire Inspector Doug Daniels explained, "The number 8 shot fired in the air, and it tipped the device over. The number 9 shot then fired and hit the house and from the recoil spun around, and number 10 shot fired towards the family." The girl's parents were also burned in the accident. 

Source: 3.1.2003, http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/news/10303_local_fireworks.html

Rhode Island. A fire occurred on the night of February 20, 2003, in "The Station" nightclub at 211 Cowesett Avenue, West Warwick. The band "Great White" that was on the platform that night, during its performance, used pyrotechnics that ignited polyurethane foam insulation lining the walls and ceiling of the platform. 96 people, including band's guitarist Ty Longley, would ultimately die from the blaze, four died later from their injuries at local hospitals and more than 200 others were injured.

Source:

"Club tragedy toll reaches 96", 22.2.2003, http://icnewcastle.icnetwork.co.uk/ic/eveningchronicle/page.cfm?objectid=12666689&method=full&siteid=50081

"At least 96 killed in nightclub inferno", 22.2.2003, http://edition.cnn.com/2003/US/Northeast/02/21/deadly.nightclub.fire/ 

Hawaii. Statistics showed there were 9,929 fireworks permits issued statewide in 2000, with 44 reported fireworks-related injuries. In 2001, 7,963 fireworks permits were issued with 85 reported injuries. In 2002 there were 9,086 permits issued and 59 reported injuries.

Property loss statewide to fireworks was $14,300 in 1999, $360,000 in 2000, $621,400 in 2001 and $1,700 in 2002. Source: "Senate appends restrictions to fireworks bill", 15.3.2003, http://starbulletin.com/2003/03/15/news/story6.html

Vista, California. House fire at 1331 hours on April 6, 2003. Fire Investigators estimated a $200,000 structural loss to the 1600 square foot house. Additionally there was $50,000 damage to the interior contents. Investigation has determined that the fire was caused by fireworks that had landed on the wood shake roof. The hot ember of the fireworks ignited the dry wood shake roof.

Source: 8.4.2003, http://cms.firehouse.com/content/article/articoe.jsp?sectionId=45&id=8656

San Diego. Two children playing with fireworks apparently started a brush fire that scorched
about 40 acres in Lakeside. The fire started around 3:25 p.m. Monday, just west of Lake Jenning in Lakeside, and took about three hours to contain. A total of 150 firefighters waged a ground and air attack against the blaze. The two children suspected of starting this fire could face criminal charges or they could be sent to a youth fire prevention program. Their parents may have to pay for the cost of fighting this fire. 19.5.2003

Source: "Kids playing with fireworks spark brush fire", 19.5.2003, http://www.thesandiegochannel.com/news/2214567/detail.html

Deaths, injuries and fires occur too frequently when untrained consumers and children light fireworks. That's why The American Academy of Ophthalmology, The American Academy of Pediatrics, The American college of Emergency Physicians, The International Fire Marshals Association, The National Association of State Fire Marshals and NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) are calling for a ban on consumer fireworks use as Independence Day celebrations get underway.

"Leading Health And Fire Safety Advocates Urge Ban On Consumer Fireworks", 23.6.2003, http://cms.firehouse.com/content/article/article.jsp?id=13422&sectionId=46

Omaha, Neb. A teenager apparently was lighting fireworks in a plastic trash bin outside the home 5306 S. 105^th St. When he left, the flames licked up the chimney and onto the roof. 1.7.2003

Source: "Fireworks spark Omaha blaze", 1.7.2003, http://www.theomahachannel.com/news/2306087/detail.html

This year alone an estimated 3,000 eye injuries will occur in the United States because of fireworks, with approximately 1,000 of these injuries resulting in permanent eye damage.

The most dangerous firework, and the one responsible for the greatest number of eye injuries, is the bottle rocket. A bottle rocket travels as fast as 200 miles per hour and explodes in mid-air sending glass and metal shattering into thousands of small pieces in all directions. Sparklers are also extremely dangerous. They can burn up to 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, a temperature hot enough to melt gold.  

Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians: "Leave display work to the professional this 4^th of July", 1.7.2003, http://www.oaop.com/media/2003/030701.html

*

Bonita Springs, Fla. At Lovers Key State Park, a truck packed with fireworks exploded Wednesday, July 2, 2003, killing four workers who had been unloading the shipment for an Independence Day display and injuring two others, one critically. The explosion triggered multiple secondary blasts that scattered debris around a 100-yard radius. The dead and injured are believed to have worked for Sunset Fireworks Ltd., the company that was setting up the display. The bodies of the four victims were left at the scene until midday Thursday, July 3, 2003, because authorities were concerned about the safety of the area and did not know whether all of the fireworks had detonated. A fifth victim died Thursday, July 3, 2003, at a hospital.

Source:

"Fireworks trailer explodes, kills 4 in Florida. Witness describes scene as rolling black smoke with fireworks shooting out" (with video and images from the scene), 2.7.2003, http://www.local6.com/news/2308789/detail.html

"4 killed in Florida fireworks explosion" (with video from the scene), 3.7.2003, http://edition.cnn.com/2003/US/South/07/02/fla.fireworks.explosion/index.html

"Fifth person dies in Florida fireworks blast" (with video), 3.7.2003, http://edition.cnn.com/2003/US/South/07/03/fla.fireworks.explosion/index.html

"Truck packed with fireworks explodes" by Wes Allison, 3.7.2003, http://www.sptimes.com/2003/07/03/State/Truck_packed_with_fir.shtml

"Bodies found in Texas fireworks explosion", 4.7.2003, http://www.redorbit.com/news/general/7501/bodies_found_in_texas_fireworks_explosion/

"Victims' kin: 'Show must go on', 31.12.2003, http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/miamiherald/nes/state/7601774.htm?1c: The deceased are Eugene Brown (52) and Bryan Brown (54), Russell Combs (47), James Booker (22) and his uncle Ken Kinard (42).

Under "Lover's Key fireworks explosion": http://www.nbc-2.com/News/stories/archive/2003/070403-fireworks_explosion.shtml you can find many informations about the fireworks disaster of Bonita Springs, e.g.:

July 2, 2003:

-          Five dead in fireworks explosion

-          "Not the first explosion for fireworks company", 2.7.2003, http://www.nbc-2.com/News/stories/archive/2003/070203-past_explosions.shtml: There have been three other major accidents involving Sunset Fireworks, the company contracted to work Bonita Springs' fourth of July celebration. Federal regulators dropped a $242,000 fine on a division of Sunset Frieworks for the wilful disregard of safety regulations in a June 2001 explosion in DeSoto, Missouri. Federal regulators issued safety related fines to Pyro Products, a division of Sunset, in two other explosions – a 1999 blast that killed one, and a 2000 explosion that killed another employee.

July 3, 2003:

-          Investigators search the scene

-          State – bonita didn't have permit

-          Jaycees plans vigil for victims

-          Safety a priority at other displays

July 4, 2003:

-          HAZMAT cleans explosion site

-          City holds vigil for victims

August 12, 2003:

-          "Missouri fireworks company indicted", http://www.nbc-2.com/News/stories/archive/2003/081203-fireworks_indict.shtml:

-          U.S. Attorney's Office news release

August 18, 2003:

-          "Lone survivor of deadly explosion speaks out", http://www.nbc-2.com/News/stories/archive/2003/081803-explosion_survivor.shtml

"Bonita Springs considers holding July 4^th fireworks", 12.4.2005, http://www.nbc-2.com/articles/readarticle.asp?articleid=3048&z=3&p=: Bonita Springs is considering having Fourth of July fireworks for the first time since the deadly accident on Lover's Key in 2003 that killed five people. The city spends about $20,000 for a 20 minute show.

"Fireworks returning to Bonita Springs", 12.5.2005, http://www.nbc-2.com/articles/readarticle.asp?articleid=3310&z=3&p=: The city of Bonita Springs is moving ahead with plans to bring back the fireworks on the Fourth of July. The city hasn't had fireworks since the accidental explosion that killed five workers on Lover's Key in 2003. "It would be unfortunate if our people had to go to Naples or Fort Myers to see fireworks when we can see it right here," said Mayor Jay Arend. It's unclear if the city would approach Sunset Fireworks, the firm involved in the 2003 accident. 

"Bonita Springs plans fireworks show two years after fatal blast", 22.6.2005, http://www.belleville.com/mld/belleville/news/local/11953694.htm: A smaller fireworks display is planned to mark Independence Day, two years after a fatal blast that killed five men at Lovers Key State Park, which has since refused to allow fireworks again. The July 4 pyrotechnic displays will reach a height of 300 feet, instead of the standard 500 feet, to accommodate a 25-acre site just east of the city, officials said.

*

Bellevue. A youth was lighting fireworks. One of the fireworks failed to go off. When he was coming down like this to pick it up it blew up in the tube with the 16-year-old’s face just inches away. He received first and second degree burns to his face and hands.

Source: "Teen injured while playing with fireworks", 3.7.2003, http://www.theomahachannel.com/news/2311244/detail.html

Farmingville. A Mexican family barely escaped with their lives after teens set their house ablaze by shooting fireworks through a window. 4.7.2003

Source: "White youths charged in racial attack on Mexican immigrants in New York", 15.6.2006, http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,199672,00.html

Kilgore, Texas. An explosion Thursday evening, July 3, 2003, destroyed about half the large metal warehouse of Lamb Entertainment near the downtown area. 10 or 15 smaller explosions followed the initial explosion. Thousands of pounds of fireworks inside the warehouse and packed in the tractor-trailer rig exploded. The blast shot fireworks and other debris for several blocks and damaged or destroyed six homes east of the warehouse and displaced about 25 people. Four nearby businesses were damaged. At least five people were injured. The Kilgore Police Department evacuated an area around the explosion for several blocks. Three people were missed since the explosion. Search teams working overnight found the bodies of Marvin Lamb (70), father of the warehouse owner and of two workers, Melinda Edmundson (25) and Martin Donner (58) early Friday, July 4, 2003; they were inside the building when the first blast occurred.

Kilgore public safety director Ronnie Moore has said a spark, perhaps from static electricity, probably caused the explosion.

Source:

"Bodies found in Texas fireworks explosion by Lisa Falkenberg, 4.7.2003, http://cms.firehouse.com/web/online/News/Bodies-Found-in-Texas-Fireworks-Explosion-/46$14354

"Static electricity suspected in Texas fireworks explosion that killed three", 7.7.2003, http://www.esdjournal.com/static/fireworks/kilgore.htm

"Displaced families pick up pieces in Kilgore by Bobby Ross Jr.", 6.7.2003, http://lmtonline.com/news/archive/070603/pagea12.pdf

South Bend. Corey Newland was in the alley behind his home lighting 3-inch mortar balls. But he never did light the one that hit him in the face, breaking his cheekbone and destroying his right eye. Corey says, "It was about the fourth or fifth one. The tube was hot. I put the next one in there and it just went off in my face."

Source: 4.7.2003, http://www.wndu.com/news/082003/news_21205.php

Burton. Someone lit an illegal bottle rocket in the back seat of a car a woman (20) was in. The woman hopped out of the stopped car, but the bottle rocket fired out of the car and blew up in her eye. Doctors had to remove the lens of her eye, leaving her with blurred vision.

The woman settled a lawsuit against the owner of the fireworks stand that sold the bottle rocket and got $30,000 for her eye.

Source: "No cause to celebrate. Woman who lost eye to fireworks urges safety", 1.7.2006, http://www.mlive.com/news/fljournal/index.ssf?/base/news-37/1151754612300420.xml&coll=5

Runnemede/Camden County. At Triton High School one of the fireworks at the borough's display went astray and into the crowd: 6 people were injured. 

Source: 5.7.2003, http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/news/070503_nw_fireworksinjuries.html

Silver Creek Township, Cass County. Friday night about 11.15pm a fireworks explosion on Inn Drive sent five people to the hospital and caused damage to nearly a dozen heighborhood homes. People were shooting off illegal fireworks, one fireworks landed in a box contained other fireworks, the box ignited, causing an explosion. 4.7.2003

Source: 5.7.2003, http://www.wndu.com/news/072003/news_20701.php

Waialua. A boy (15) suffered chest and abdominal wounds in a fireworks mishap about 8:15 last night. Ambulance officials said the boy suffered a "blast injury" to his back. 4.7.2003

Source: "Teen suffers fireworks 'blast injury'", 5.7.2003, http://starbulletin.com/2003/07/05/news/briefs.html

Lowell. July 4, 2003, shortly before 10 p.m., Michael Irven Powers (38) was pronounced dead at the scene from injuries suffered in a fireworks explosion. A neighbor said, a rocket that Powers had lit fell over, and when he bent down to stand it up, the rocket exploded in his face.  

Source: The Des Moines Register Newspaper Archive, 6.7.2003

An apartment fire on Kent's East Hill that displaced about 40 residents and destroyed most of the two-story building is being investigated as arson. Fire officials believe the blaze may have been started intentionally with fireworks. Damage to the apartment complex was in excess of $1 million. 5.7.2003

Source: "Apartment  fire believed to be arson by firework", 7.7.2003, http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/129784_fireworks07.html?searchpagefrom=2&searchdiff=566

In a Kent-area fire, 20 acres of trees and tall brush on a hillside at the old Kent Landfill on Military Road South were engulfed in a fireworks-related blaze. The fire started around 9 p.m. July 5, 2003.

Source: "Apartment  fire believed to be arson by firework", 7.7.2003, http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/129784_fireworks07.html?searchpagefrom=2&searchdiff=566  

Hoosier state. More than 180 injuries were caused by fireworks this month in the Hoosier state. A new law requires all fireworks-related injuries to be reported to the state within 5 business days of the accident. The legislation was intended to improve understanding by the public of what causes these injuries. 

Source: 12.7.2003, http://www.wndu.com/news/072003/news_20827.php

Gig Harbor, Wash. Police are looking for the people who sparked a nursing home fire that forced the evacuation of some of the home's residents. Police say fireworks started the blaze which caused $30'000 in damage. Firefighter found evidence of fireworks in both the mailbox and around the surrounding juniper bushes.  

Source: "Fireworks spark Washington nursing home fire", 16.7.2003, http://cms.firehouse.com/content/article/article.jsp?id=sectionId=46&id=15091

Okoboji. A customer appreciation show became an explosive situation when one of the fireworks launched returned into the barge, setting off the rest of fireworks. The barge was destroyed. Damage: $50,000. 26.7.2003

Source: 29.7.2003, http://www.dmregister.com/news/stories/c4788998/21861061.html

Ballston. A child (12) was burned while playing with small explosives (fireworks) in his family's backyard on Mourningkill Drive.

Source: 12.8.2003, http://www.capitalnews9.com/content/headlines/?SecID=33&ArID=36716

Hammond. Johnny Rockets, a fireworks stand on the former Kmart property at 7925 Indianapolis Blvd., was closed when the fire was reported at 1:03am, but firefighters had to contend with the company's stock exploding as they fought the fire. No injuries were reported. - Hammond has numerous fireworks stands in the city. Johnny Rockets, like many others, did not have a sprinkler system. 4.9.2003

Source:

"Fire destroys fireworks stand, 5.9.2003, http://www.thetimesonline.com/articles/2003/09/05/news/lake_county/c219b704279eb5f786256d9800071428.txt

"Blaze at Indiana fireworks store sparks unscheduled show", 5.9.2003, http://cms.firehouse.com/content/article/article.jsp?id=sectionId=46&id=18216

Gloucester, Mass. A man set his house on fire, when he lit illegal fireworks inside, one of which ignited a Christmas tree. A woman died in the fire. 22.12.2003

Source:

"Man pleads guilty in fatal fire whose victim was misidentified", 20.3.2006, http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2006/03/20/man_pleads_guilty_in_fatal_fire_whose_victim_was_misidentified/ 

"Gloucester man pleads guilty to fire that killed one", 20.3.2006, http://www.eyewitnessnewstv.com/Global/story.asp?S=4658584&nav=F2DO

"Man pleads guilty in 2003 fire death", 21.3.2006, http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2006/03/21/man_pleads_guilty_in_2003_fire_death/

Greene MA, Joholske J

2003 fireworks annual report: fireworks-related deaths, emergency department-treated injuries, and enforcement activities during 2003.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, June 2004

This report describes injuries and deaths associated with fireworks during 2003, and also describes CPSC staff enforcement activities for 2003. The report is part of an annual series.

Available at http://www.cpsc.gov/library/2003fwreport.pdf

"Indiana reports 261 fireworks injuries in two months"

The Indiana Department of Health has released a report saying 261 people (53% involved children or adolescents/youngest person to suffer a fireworks injury was just six weeks old) in Indiana were injured by fireworks from May 13 through July 19 in 2003.

You find the report "Indiana State Department of Healt: Initial Report on Fireworks-Related Injuries (Period of May 13, 2003 – July 19, 2003)" under http://www.in.gov/isdh/fireworks/fireworksreport.pdf  

2002

Greene MA, Joholske J

2002 fireworks annual report: fireworks-related deaths, emergency department treated injuries, and enforcement activities during 2002.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, June 2003

This report describes injuries and deaths associated with fireworks during 2002, and also describes CPSC staff enforcement activities for 2002. The report is part of an annual series. 

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that in 2002 about 8,800 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with fireworks. Over half the injuries were burns and most of the injuries involved the hands, eyes, and head. About half of the victims were under 15 years of age.
Available at http://www.cpsc.gov/library/2002fwreport.PDF

Anchorage, Alaska. Emanuel Itta (15) is suffering from burns to his face and hands after he said a group of teens threw a cherry bomb at him. The bomb exploded and Emanuel may have permanent scars. He also has trouble seeing out of his left eye. He fears gun powder from a cherry bomb may have damaged his vision. 23.4.2002

Read the whole story in "Teens launch cherry bombs at others in Downtown"; you find it under http://www.ktuu.com/CMS/templates/alaska_news/master.asp?articleid=9527&zoneid=4

Hobart, IN. A multicoloured fire engulfed a U.S. 30 fireworks shop, following an explosion that sent three employes scrambling for their lives and backing up traffic for about an hour. There were no injuries as a result of the blaze. The business housed Class C fireworks, including sparklers and fountains, that are not considered high-level explosives. 21.5.2002

Source: "Fireworks shop goes up in flames", 22.5.2002, http://www.firehouse.com/news/2002/5/22_Pfireworks.html

Suquamish, Kitsap County. In a home on Cherry Tree Lane, young people had been stuffing parts of common ("safe and sane") fireworks into a copper pipe in an effort to make an explosive device. When a youth (18) had been holding the device with his left hand while attempting to crimp its end by pounding on it with a hammer, it exploded. The youth was bleeding severely and lost at least one finger from his left hand in the blast and sustained burns and multiple deep lacerations to the same arm and wrist. He suffered additional deep lacerations - most likely caused by flying metal shards - to his chest, abdomen and thigh as well as burns to his hair and his face. 

Another man (18) suffered lacerations to his chest and legs. 1.7.2002

Source: "Man airlifted after fireworks accident", 2.7.2002, http://www.nkfr.org/man_airflited_after_fireworks_blast.htm

Harborview. 15-year-old boy lost part of his thumb and two fingers when his homemade contraption blew up. 3.7.2002

Source: "Firework cause burns  and a broken leg and blow off fingers", 6.7.2002, http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/77524_fourth06.shtml  

Poulsbo. Patrick Knotts (15) lost two fingers and part of his thumb on his left hand when his homemade device blew up in his hand. 3.7.2002

Source: "Firework cause burns  and a broken leg and blow off fingers", 6.7.2002, http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/77524_fourth06.shtml  

Winchester. The police and fire officials are investigating a series of fireworks explosions during Wednesday night's Fourth of July display at Bridgeforth Field in Jim Barnett Park. Two of the injured were pyrotechnicians for the fireworks company, three others were spectators watching the fireworks. 3.7.2002

Source: 4.7.2002, http://www.winchesterstar.com/TheWinchesterStar/020705/Front_ACCidents.asp

Hanky Panky Bayou, Spring Lake (Ottawa County). Sheriff's Department is investigating a fireworks accident on the northern part of Spring Lake known as Hanky Panky Bayou. A man apparently lit an M-80 type firecracker while holding it in his right hand. It exploded, causing severe damage. 4.7.2002

Source: "Man injured in fireworks accident when firecracker explode", 5.7.2002, http://www.hollandsentinel.com/stories/070502/loc_070502008.shtml

Kent. Fireworks broke a man's leg. The 29-year-old was putting on a fireworks show for relatives and friends when the accident happened. It appeared the accident involved a mortar, a device that shoots the fireworks high into the sky from a tube. The fireworks the injured man was using are illegal and were so large that fire officials called in the Port of Seattle bomb squad to get rid of them.

Source: "Firework cause burns  and a broken leg and blow off fingers", 6.7.2002, http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/77524_fourth06.shtml  

Auburn. A blaze engulfed a fireworks stand, forcing crews battling the flames to duck and weave as they worked. "When the firefighters arrived, the stand was engulfed in flames and fireworks were shooting out every which way", Kimberly Cunningham, fire department spokeswoman said, "Our fire engine was hit several times by all different types of fireworks." 5.7.2002

Source: "Firework cause burns  and a broken leg and blow off fingers", 6.7.2002, http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/77524_fourth06.shtml

Cape Girardeau. The Jackson Jaycees were conducting their annual fireworks display at Jackson City Park when the launch stand collapsed, sending three-inch shells into the crowd across a lake. Spectators scrambled for cover, and in the confusion an unknown number were injured.

Source: 10.7.2002, http://www.newstribune.com/stories/071002/sta_0710020974.asp

Harvey. North Dakota Firefighter Barry Lee Dockter (44) and members of his Anamoose Fire Department were providing the fireworks display for their community centennial celebration. Dockter was assigned to load and ignite two 5-inch fireworks mortars. Near the end of the show, witnesses heard Dockter yell. He appeared to be covered with sparks and was attempting to brush something from his clothing. Seconds later a shell, presumably under his left arm, exploded and he died. The cause of death was listed as blunt force injuries to the chest and left upper extremity.

Source:

"Junior firefighter bicycle LODD among latest NIOSH reports, 25.2.2003, http://cms.firehouse.com/web/online/In-The-Line-Of-Duty/Junior-Firefighter-Bicycle-LODD-Among-Latest-NIOSH-Reports/39$6236

Firefighter fatalities in the United States in 2002, FA-260/July 2003, http://www.lcfa.com/PAFIREMAN/download_file/fema-260%202.pdf

Mishawaka. Jason Krych (22) died Juy 10, 2002, from head fractures and burns he suffered from a Fourth of July fireworks accident. Police say the blast from a fireworks device knocked him into the air and onto his back.

Source: 11.7.2002, http://www.wndu.com/news/072002/news_15086.php

Hubbard, Ohio. 14 people were injured after a fireworks accident happened at the Founders' Day Festival in Hubbard. 

Source: "14 injured by fireworks accident", 22.7.2002, http://www.newsnet5.com/news/1569848/detail.html

Newburgh. A man was killed when fireworks that he was trying to load into a truck exploded at a storage depot near Stewart International Airport. The explosion destroyed two trailers and damaged one of four bunkers at the storage complex. 7.8.2002

Source: "Man is killed in explosion while loading fireworks in Newburgh", 7.8.2002, http://www.nytimes.com

Susupe village on Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands. At least five houses and one company office were gutted by a fire that is being blamed on firecrackers. According to other residents, people were preparing to welcome the year 2003 around 11.30pm when several lighted firecrackers landed on the roof of a house. The roof had accumulated dried leaves over the past weeks, quickly triggering the fire. 31.12.2002

Source: "Fire razes barracks, homes", 2.1.2003, http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=1&newsID=25164

2001

You can download the report "Fireworks-Related Injuries, Deaths, and Firew in the U.S. March 2001" (in pdf) from the homepage from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): http://www.nfpa.org/Research/nfpafactsheets/fireworks/fireworks.asp.

1992-2001 there have been 557 major fire and explosion incidents involving illegal fireworks reported to the Massachusetts Fire Incident Reporting System (MFIRS). These 558 fires and explosions caused 20 civilian injuries, 7 fire service injuries, 3 civilian fatalities and an estimated dollar loss of $762,525. This is quite a substantial amount since most fireworks related fires are outside brush fires and do not usually have high loss figures. A majority of these fires occurred during the week of the Fourth of July holiday.

Source: "Leave the fireworks to the professionals", http://www.google.ch/search?q=cache:xlp3vA5ig7YJ:www.town.brewster.ma.us/brewfire/pdf/LeaveToProsFirefacts02.pdf+burned+face+from+fireworks&hl=de&ie=UTF-8 or http://www.town.brewster.ma.us/brewfire/pdf/LeaveToProsFirefacts02.pdf  

1992-2001 86 people have been treated at Massachusetts emergency rooms for severe burn injuries from fireworks ­ burns covering 5% of more of the body. Nearly 60% of the victims were children under the age of 18. 26% were between the ages of 10 and 14; 8% were between five and nine; and 13% were children under five. During the last 10 years, the oldest reported person injured by fireworks was 47 and the youngest was less than a year old.

Source: "Leave the fireworks to the professionals", http://www.google.ch/search?q=cache:xlp3vA5ig7YJ:www.town.brewster.ma.us/brewfire/pdf/LeaveToProsFirefacts02.pdf+burned+face+from+fireworks&hl=de&ie=UTF-8 or http://www.town.brewster.ma.us/brewfire/pdf/LeaveToProsFirefacts02.pdf

26.6.2001: Fireworks-Related Burn Injuries Admitted to a Burn Center, Oklahoma, 1988-2000 

http://www.google.ch/search?q=cache:0TcWhe5AdOUJ:www.health.state.ok.us/program/injury/updates/frb.pdf+burned+face+from+fireworks&hl=de&ie=UTF-8

oder http://www.health.state.ok.us/program/injury/updates/frb.pdf

National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC): Fact Sheet "Fireworks-Related Injuries" http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets/fworks.htm

Seattle. Mardi Gras celebrations: During a fluid series of confrontations that pushed from street to street, many people hurled rocks, bottles and fireworks at police.

Source: "Second night of Mardi Gras partying ends in violence", 25.1.2001, http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/riot24ww.shtml?searchpagefrom=5&searchdiff=1427

Ewa Beach and Kapolei. Series of bomb blasts from April 2 to 10, 2001. In each case, large aerial display fireworks were used. Police describe the pyrotechnic mortar balls as ball-like items with fuses. 

Source: "Police seek help solving Leeward bombings, 19.4.2001, http://starbulletin.com/2001/04/19/news/briefs.html

Sunset Fireworks, located 40 miles southwest of St. Louis, recently experienced its third explosion in two years. Three women who were employed at the factory suffered burns, shrapnel wounds, and smoke inhalation. The explosion blew the roof off of the building and caused two walls to collapse. 

Source: "Fireworks factory explodes", 22.6.2001, http://www.injuryboard.com/view.cfm/Article=445

The Ware Fire Department was called to a motor vehicle arson. The fire was intentionally started by fireworks in the passenger area of an antique car. 26.6.2001

Source: "Leave the fireworks to the professionals", http://www.google.ch/search?q=cache:xlp3vA5ig7YJ:www.town.brewster.ma.us/brewfire/pdf/LeaveToProsFirefacts02.pdf+burned+face+from+fireworks&hl=de&ie=UTF-8 oder http://www.town.brewster.ma.us/brewfire/pdf/LeaveToProsFirefacts02.pdf

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Office of Information and Public Affairs, Washington: "CPSC Holds Fireworks Safety Press Conference on Mall in Washington"
In this article you can go to view a video clip showing the destructive power of fireworks, and a second video clip showing illegal fireworks. There you also can find the transcript for both clips. 28.6.2001
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml01/01179.html

The Springfield Fire Department was called to a fire in an apartment building started when fireworks ignited an exterior balcony. 4.7.2001

Source: "Leave the fireworks to the professionals", http://www.google.ch/search?q=cache:xlp3vA5ig7YJ:www.town.brewster.ma.us/brewfire/pdf/LeaveToProsFirefacts02.pdf+burned+face+from+fireworks&hl=de&ie=UTF-8 oder http://www.town.brewster.ma.us/brewfire/pdf/LeaveToProsFirefacts02.pdf

Kansas City. A man (28) spent the night celebrating with a group of friends, drinking heavily with them and shooting fireworks off for several hours, disturbing neighbors who called police. Someone in the group attempting to hide a stash of fireworks from the police, stuffed them into the oven and then forgot about them. The homeowner later decided to bake some lasagna and turned the oven on. It demolished the kitchen, blew the stove apart and blew the oven door off. 3.7.2001

Source: "Fireworks stashed in oven cause explosion", 5.7.2001

http://www.thehawaiichannel.com/news/859936/detail.html

Beacon Hill. Hi Van's house was set in fire. He (81) and his blind wife (80) could get out in time. $200'000 damage. The flames then spread to an adjacent home, causing $75'000 in damage. Ji T. Zeng, a resident of the house where the fire originated, was treated at Harborview Medical Center for second-degree burns to his arms and neck. - The police blamed the fire on two Roman candles that had been set off for the Fourth of July. 4.7.2001

Source: "Roman candles blamed for house fires", 6.7.2001, http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/30270_fire06.shtml?searchpagefrom=4&searchdiff=1297

Chester, South Carolina. James Brett Ringer (24) was killed and three others were injured in an explosion at Melrose South Pyrotechnics. The blast threw debris and pyrotechnics 100 yards, igniting a nearby office building on fire and setting off several grass fires. The fire started in a packaging building and ignited stored fireworks. The explosion could be felt 16 km away. 19.7.2001

Source:

"Fireworks blast leaves one dead", 20.7.2001, Fire Operations Archive, http://www.emergency.com/firepage.htm

"Fireworks blaze triggers deadly explosion", 20.7.2001, http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=3&art_id=qw995617863944B221

Moscow, eastern Pennsylvania. An explosion ignited a series of fires at a plant that makes dynamite and fireworks, killing at least one worker and injuring three others. Roughly 200 residents within a mile of the plant were evacuated.

Source: "Pennsylvania: Explosion kills worker", 27.9.2001, http://www.nytimes.com 

Greene MA, Race PM

2001 Fireworks Annual Report: Fireworks-Related Deaths, Emergency Department Treated Injuries, and Enforcement Activities During 2001.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, June 2002

This report describes injuries and deaths associated with fireworks during 2001, and also describes CPSC staff enforcement activities for 2001. The report is part of an annual series.

Available at http://www.cpsc.gov/library/2001fwreport.PDF

U.S. Fire Administration

"The Dangers of Fireworks"

Topical Fire Research Series, Volume 1, Issue 7 – December 2001

A copy of the full report can be downloaded from http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/statistics/reports/tfrs_issue_index.shtm

2000

In 2000, emergency departments treated 11,000 people for fireworks-related injuries in the United States, and 10 people died from their injuries. 
About half of these injuries occurred among children ages 14 years and younger. 
Boys were injured twice as often as girls. 
Eyes (30%), hands (29%), and the head and face (17%) were the parts of the body most frequently injured. 
More than half of these injuries involved burns. 
Injuries were most commonly associated with fire crackers (24%), rockets (20%), and sparklers (18%). 
(Source: Greene MA, Race PM. 2000 Fireworks Annual Report: Fireworks-Related Deaths, Emergency Department Treated Injuries, and Enforcement Activities During 2000. Washington (DC): U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission; 2001 [cited 1 May 2002]. Available at URL: http://www.cpsc.gov/LIBRARY/2000fwreport.pdf.) 

MMWR Weekly, June 23, 2000 / 49(24);545-6 "Notice to Readers: Injuries From Fireworks in the United States": <<The estimated annual cost of fireworks-related injuries is $100 million (4). In 1997, the U.S. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimated that fireworks were responsible for direct property damage of $22.7 million (5). >> http://www.cdc.gov/epo/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm4924a7.htm

Honolulu Emergency Services workers reported that Oahu averaged a fireworks injury or respiratory distress case every 34 minutes New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Source: "Oahu New Year's air dangerously polluted", 8.1.2000, http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/2000/Jan/08/localnews4.html

A 13-year old Norwell boy was injured when a rocket kit purchased from a "educational science store" exploded. He was burned on his face and chest. 26.2.2000.

Source: "Leave the fireworks to the professionals", http://www.google.ch/search?q=cache:xlp3vA5ig7YJ:www.town.brewster.ma.us/brewfire/pdf/LeaveToProsFirefacts02.pdf+burned+face+from+fireworks&hl=de&ie=UTF-8 oder http://www.town.brewster.ma.us/brewfire/pdf/LeaveToProsFirefacts02.pdf

Two 12-year old Lowell boys burned their faces, eyes, hands and chest when the bottle rockets they were "playing" with exploded. 19.3.2000

Source: "Leave the fireworks to the professionals", http://www.google.ch/search?q=cache:xlp3vA5ig7YJ:www.town.brewster.ma.us/brewfire/pdf/LeaveToProsFirefacts02.pdf+burned+face+from+fireworks&hl=de&ie=UTF-8 oder http://www.town.brewster.ma.us/brewfire/pdf/LeaveToProsFirefacts02.pdf

A 15-year old Salem, New Hampshire boy was seriously injured when fireworks exploded in his right hand. 26.5.2000

Source: "Leave the fireworks to the professionals", http://www.google.ch/search?q=cache:xlp3vA5ig7YJ:www.town.brewster.ma.us/brewfire/pdf/LeaveToProsFirefacts02.pdf+burned+face+from+fireworks&hl=de&ie=UTF-8 oder http://www.town.brewster.ma.us/brewfire/pdf/LeaveToProsFirefacts02.pdf

Las Vegas. A 12-year-old boy suffered second-degree burns to his hand after fireworks he placed inside a plastic bottle exploded. 29.6.2000

Source: "Boy burned in fireworks accident", 30.6.2000, http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2000/Jun-30-Fri-2000/news/13883011.html

A 35-year old Leominster man was injured while pouring gunpowder from multiple firecrackers into a pile when it flashed on him. He burned his face and left hand. 1.7.2000

Source: "Leave the fireworks to the professionals", http://www.google.ch/search?q=cache:xlp3vA5ig7YJ:www.town.brewster.ma.us/brewfire/pdf/LeaveToProsFirefacts02.pdf+burned+face+from+fireworks&hl=de&ie=UTF-8 oder http://www.town.brewster.ma.us/brewfire/pdf/LeaveToProsFirefacts02.pdf

According to the Census Bureau, the United States imported about $131.1 million worth of fireworks last year, with $122.4 million coming from China. By comparison, American fireworks manufacturers produced about $20.8 million worth of fireworks in 1997, the last year the Census Bureau checked. 4.7.2000 ("China trade debate won't stop fireworks" by Chuck Raasch / Gannett News Service)

Addison. Frank Kralik Jr. (43) died instantly about 8.30pm when a professional-style aerial 3-inch fireworks mortar shell he had launched struck him in the head. 2.7.2000

Source:

"Fireworks accident kills Lombard man", 6.7.2000, The Chicago Sun-Times

"Addison police had no fireworks calls in area before tragedy", 12.7.2000, Daily Herald

"Lombard man killed in fireworks mishap was legally drunk", 1.9.2000, Daily Herald

Gig Harbor. Two boys (12, 13) were riding in a car at the "Firecracker Alley" area of fireworks stand on the Puyallup Indian Reservation. They were playing with a lighter and lighted a firework the older boy was holding. It exploded inside the car. The 13-year-old lost the index and middle fingers of his left hand in the explosion. 2.7.2000

Source: "Three people lose fingers in fireworks accidents", 5.7.2000, http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/hurt05.shtml?searchpagefrom=6&searchdiff=1663

Lake Burien. A youth (19) lost three fingers on his right hand in a fireworks explosion. 4.7.2000

Source: "Three people lose fingers in fireworks accidents", 5.7.2000, http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/hurt05.shtml?searchpagefrom=6&searchdiff=1663

Lynnwood. A fire  at a Hilltop Elementary School destroyed roofing material stored in a covered play area. Damage: $225,000. Four teenagers (16 to 19) who had been setting off fireworks on the school grounds reported the fire at about 1 a.m. The four were questioned and are believed to be responsible for starting the fire. 5.7.2000

Source: "Lynnwood school damaged by fireworks", 5.7.2000, http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/skulww1.shtml

Springfield. A boy (2) was injured by fireworks at the Italian festival. An illegal firecracker ignited his diaper. 14.7.2000

Source: "Leave the fireworks to the professionals", http://www.google.ch/search?q=cache:xlp3vA5ig7YJ:www.town.brewster.ma.us/brewfire/pdf/LeaveToProsFirefacts02.pdf+burned+face+from+fireworks&hl=de&ie=UTF-8 oder http://www.town.brewster.ma.us/brewfire/pdf/LeaveToProsFirefacts02.pdf

1999

An estimated 8500 individuals, approximately 45% of them children younger than 15 years, were treated in US hospital emergency departments during 1999 for fireworks-related injuries. 

The hands (40%), eyes (20%), and head and face (20%) are the body areas most often involved. Approximately one third of eye injuries from fireworks result in permanent blindness. During 1999, 16 people died as a result of injuries associated with fireworks. Every type of legally available consumer (so-called "safe and sane") firework has been associated with serious injury or death. 

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics: Fireworks-related injuries to children, Pediatrics Vol. 108 No. 1 July 2001, pp. 190-191, http://www.aap.org/policy/re020004.html

Osseo, Hillsdale County, Michigan. An explosion and fire at Independence Professional Fireworks Co. killed four people and critically burned another. The man died later in hospital. 29.3.1999

Source: 

"Four killed in blast, 30.3.1999, http://www.hollandsentinel.com/stories/033099/new_blast.html

"Explosion at Michigan firework factory kills at least four workers", 30.3.1999, http://www.wsws.org/articles/1999/mar1999/fire-m30.shtml 

"Michigan fireworks factory cited for repeated safety violations before fatal blast", 31.3.1999, http://www.wsws.org/articles/1999/mar1999/fire-m31.shtml

The number of fireworks displays has increased steadily since 1990. According to the American Pyrotechnic Association, nearly 160 million pounds of fireworks were detonated in 1999. 2.7.2001

Soure: "Fireworks sales increase despite law", 2.7.2001, http://www.injuryboard.com/view.cfm/Article=521

Martha Lake, Wash. A teenager (17) lost the tips of his fingers after a lighted M-80 firecracker exploded in his hands Saturday. 3.7.1999  

Source: "Fireworks accidents hurt 7, boy critically", 5.7.1999, http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/pain05.shtml?searchpagefrom=7&searchdiff=1910

Snohomish County. Shane Lynch (13) who suffered head injuries from fireworks July 3 died July 16, 1999. At a party, the teen apparently lighted a firework designed to shoot up about 60 feet. He likely was peering into the firework’s tube when the device exploded.

Source: 

"Fireworks accidents leave at least 4 dead in U.S.", 6.7.1999, http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/fire06.shtml?searchpagefrom=7&searchdiff=1910

"Boy dies after fireworks accident", 17.7.1999, http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/fire17.shtml?searchpagefrom=7&searchdiff=1910

Centerville, Ark. Two teenagers were killed and a man (32) injured, when one fireworks shell exploded just after it was launched, shooting a fireball into the open door of a trailer where more fireworks were being assembled. The man died the next day in hospital. The explosion took place about a quarter-mile from spectators. 4.7.1999

Source: "Fireworks accidents leave at least 4 dead in U.S.", 6.7.1999, http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/fire06.shtml?searchpagefrom=7&searchdiff=1910

Dilworth, Minn. A man (20) lost his right index finger when a cherry bomb exploded in his hand. He also was charged with disorderly conduct because police believe he intended to toss the device into a squad car. 4.7.1999

Source: "Fireworks accidents leave at least 4 dead in U.S.", 6.7.1999, http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/fire06.shtml?searchpagefrom=7&searchdiff=1910

Peoria. Arizona. Stacks of fireworks starter detonating while workers from Salt Lake City-based Lantis Fireworks were still unloading them for a Fourth of July show there. One worker suffered burns over 90% of her body and died yesterday. Four others were injured. The blasts shook windows a half-mile away. 4.7.1999

Source: "Fireworks accidents leave at least 4 dead in U.S.", 6.7.1999, http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/fire06.shtml?searchpagefrom=7&searchdiff=1910

West Bend, Wis. Seven people suffered minor injuries in a fireworks mishap. 4.7.1999

Source: "Fireworks accidents leave at least 4 dead in U.S.", 6.7.1999, http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/fire06.shtml?searchpagefrom=7&searchdiff=1910

Seattle. Confrontations between police and protesters: A handful of residents shouted insults at the police and threw fireworks at them.

Source: "Police, protesters clash on second night of curfew", 1.12.1999, http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/meet01.shtml?searchpagefrom=6&searchdiff=1879

Schaghticoke Fairgrounds. Fire Chief (Schaghticoke Fire Department, New York) Richard L. Van Wert (58) was supervising the disposal of fireworks residue in a controlled burn at a local fairgrounds. Chief Van Wert noticed a spark heading toward a van containing at least 100 pounds of additional residue that was to be disposed of. He yelled for the fireworks company employee to run but was unable to escape the explosion himself. The van exploded and burned. Chief Van Wert was killed instantly. The fireworks company employee sustained burns in the explosion. 10.12.1999

Source: 

"Firefighter Fatalities in the United States in 1999", prepared for National Fire Data Center, United States Fire Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency, July 2000, http://www.everyonegoeshome.com/resources/fatality/1999.pdf 

"Osha cites Mechanicville, New York fireworks manufacturer for alleged serious safety and health violations following fatal explosion in Schaghticoke; one worker killed, one seriously injured", 5.6.2000, http://osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=709 

"State of New York, Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Third Judicial Department", 16.1.2003, http://decisions.courts.state.ny.us/ad3/Decisions/2003/91913.pdf

Waimanalo. On a girl's 14^th birthday: A homemade fireworks bomb exploded in her hands and she suffered a serious injury to her right eye. She was handling a "sparkler bomb" and the severity of her injuries was caused by only "partial detonation" of the device. 26.12.1999

Source: "Waimanalo girl injured in firecracker bomb blast", 27.12.1999, http://starbulletin.com/1999/12/27/news/story8.html

A survey of Oahu fire stations yesterday reported that illegal fireworks that sound like mortar rounds frequently shook homes and set off car alarms over the holiday weekend in Nanakuli, Waianae, Waimanalo, Wahiawa, Waipahu and Ewa Beach. An occasional jolt was reported in urban areas. 27.12.1999

Source: http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/1999/Dec/27/localnews6.html

Greene MA, Race PM

1999 Fireworks Annual Report: Fireworks-Related Deaths, Emergency Department Treated Injuries, and Enforcement Activities During 1999.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 2000 June

This report describes injuries and deaths associated with fireworks during 1999, and also describes CPSC staff enforcement activities for 1999. The report is part of an annual series.

Available at http://www.cpsc.gov/library/1999fwreport6.PDF  

1998

Shawano County, Wis. A 26-year-old man suffered injuries, including the loss of a finger and a ruptured eardrum, when a half-stick exploded in his hand. 4.7.1998
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml100/00075.html

Shawano County, Wis. A 37-year-old man lost several fingers and suffered a ruptured eardrum after a quarter-stick exploded in his hand. 5.7.1998
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml100/00075.html

West Blocton, Alabama. Tulon Goodwin (50), a 10-year employee of the Alabama State Forestry Commission, suffered a fatal heart attack on July 6, while fighting a wildfire started by children playing with fireworks. 

Source: "1998 Line of Duty Death Memorial List", 6.7.1998

http://www.firehouse.com/lodd/1999/98list.html

Shawano County, Wis. A 17-year-old boy was killed by flying shrapnel after detonating an extremely powerful fireworks device commonly known as a quarter-stick in a mailbox. 14.7.1998
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml100/00075.html

Lefrak City, Queens. A family of Bukharan Jews was injured after lighting what they thought were religious candles but turned out to be powerful firecrackers. 29.9.1998

Source: "Immigrants injured by firecrackers they mistoook for candles", 1.10.1998, http://www.nytimes.com

Osseo (Jefferson Township, Hillsdale County, Michigan). Six women and one man working inside were killed in an explosion at the Independence Professional Fireworks Co. factory. Twelve others were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene, and one survivor has been brought to hospital. The blast is heard up to 20 miles away.The factory was completely destroyed. Several cars and trucks parked nearby were destroyed. 11.12.1998

Source:

"Seven feared dead in fireworks explosion", 11.12.1998, http://www.cnn.com/US/9812/11/fireworks/

"Timeline: Deadly explosives accidents", 30.12.2001, http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/1733991.stm

"Federal agents probe Michigan fireworks explosion", 12.12.1998, http://www.cnn.com/US/9812/12/mich.fireworks.01/  

Greene MA

1998 Fireworks-Related Injuries. A Study of Fireworks-Related Injuries Treated in Hospital Emergency Rooms between June 23 and July 23, 1998

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), June 1999

CPSC has maintained an active interest in consumer fireworks safety since the early 1970s. CPSC regulations include a 50 milligram powder limit on firecrackers, fuse burn time limits, requirements to prevent tip-over and blowout, and cautionary labelling requirements.

This report provides the results of a CPSC staff analysis of 1998 data on fireworks-related injuries.

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/july4/firework.pdf

1997

In 1997, 20'100 fires were caused by fireworks, resulting in $22.7 million in direct property damage. 

Fireworks typically cause more fires in the United States on the Fourth of July than all other causes of fire combined on that day.

http://www.aap.org/policy/re020004.html

A 26-year old man from Watertown was killed while he was lighting fireworks in a hallway. 20.5.1997

Source: "Leave the fireworks to the professionals", http://www.google.ch/search?q=cache:xlp3vA5ig7YJ:www.town.brewster.ma.us/brewfire/pdf/LeaveToProsFirefacts02.pdf+burned+face+from+fireworks&hl=de&ie=UTF-8 or http://www.town.brewster.ma.us/brewfire/pdf/LeaveToProsFirefacts02.pdf

La Follette/Tennessee. An explosion at a fireworks factory killed four people and injured several others. The dead included two teenaged girls working inside the warehouse and a man whose truck was blown up at the loading dock. The body of a second man was found in a rubble outside the building. June 1997

Source: http://www.prn.usm.my/diary/text97.html

Buffalo. Firefighter Michael Seguin (30) died fighting a fire in a house at 234 Kehr Street started by fireworks. He died from smoke inhalation when his oxygen gear became entangled in the attic of this burning house. The cause of the blaze: a bottlerocket. 4.7.1997

Source: "Fireworks cause house fire and injuries in separate incidents," 5.7.2008, http://www.wkbw.com/news/local/23711039.html

Skull Creek Fourth of July fireworks show: A minor explosion on the barge led to more trouble when a launching tube fell over, shooting a shell sideways across the barge, causing the entire fireworks display to ignite at once at ground level. Fire aboard the explosives barge. One of three workers on the barge leaped into Skull Creek. The sheriff's office got the other two men off the burning barge. They were treated for minor burns. 4.7.1997

Source: "The encore was explosive", 2.7.2007, http://www.islandpacket.com/features/story/6568240p-5846749c.html

West Lost Lake/Otter Tail County. Six people apparently making their own fireworks were injured Friday when gunpowder accidentally ignited inside a mobile home near Underwood, in west-central Minnesota. The explosion damaged the inside of the home on West Lost Lake, in Otter Tail County. 6.7.1997

Charlevoix/Michigan. At least one person died and 17 others were injured when fireworks charge exploded during a popular festival. One of the injured lost his left leg and left arm when a fireworks shell exploded too soon at the summer festival. The explosion at around 11 p.m. Saturday sent shrapnel toward an estimated 50,000 people and left some with shattered bones and severe cuts. 26.7.1997

Source: 

"Fireworks turn deadly, last at Charlevoix festival kill one, injures 15", 28.7.1997, http://www.rbbi.com/folders/acc/firewks/freep28.htm oder

"Michigan fireworks explosion kills 1, injures 17", 27.7.1997, http://www.cnn.com/US/9707/27/briefs/fireworks.explosion/

Madison. Monday, a 9-year-old boy was hospitalized when a firework hidden in his parents' garage blew up in his left hand, police said. 19.8.1997

East New York, Brooklyn. A boy (10) was seriously injured when one of the fireworks he was playing with exploded in his hand. 31.8.1997

Source: "Boy, 10, loses hand as firecracker explodes", 2.9.1997, http://www.nytimes.com

Syracuse. Two families are suing the town for injuries their children suffered during a July 4 fireworks display at a town park. Mike and Janet Cavender’s 5-year-old son, Stephen, suffered first degree burns to his neck when a ground display exploded unexpectedly and shot into the crowd gathered to watch the fireworks. Christopher Sr. and Vickie Wooldridge's son, Christopher Jr., 2, suffered a small cut beneath his eye, minor burns and a possible ruptured eardrum during the incident. The Cavenders and the Wooldridges are claiming that the town "was negligent in its capacity as the authority to maintain the Syracuse beach and park," that it "breached its duty to provide a safe environment for the patrons visiting" and failed "to maintain a safe distance between the fireworks launch site and the spectators." 2.12.1997 http://www.timeswrsw.com/archive/1997/N1202973.HTM

(read too the article "Toddler Hurt In Syracuse Fireworks Accident" by Tiffany Shaw, 7.7.1997 http://www.timeswrsw.com/archive/1997/N0707970.HTM)

Monticone R, Smith L

1997 Fireworks-Related Injuries. A Study of Fireworks-Related Injuries Treated in Hospital Emergency Rooms between June 23 and July 23, 1997

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), May 1998

Each year, CPSC conducts a study of fireworks injuries that occur around the Fourth of July holiday to monitor the effectiveness of the CPSC fireworks regulations. This report presents the results of the 1997 study.

http://www.cpsc.gov/library/firework.pdf

1996

Scottown, Ohio. Eight people are reported dead and another twelve injured, including at least two small children. Three people are still reported in critical condition, with smoke inhalation and burns. Lawrence County Sheriff Roy Smith, says that he believes that the tragedy in the fireworks store was the work of three men in their early 20's, who allegedly lit a fire in a box of fireworks in the back of Ohio River Fireworks building. 3.7.1996
Source:

"FireWorks Incident turns deadly in Ohio", 3.7.1996, http://www.emergency.com/fw-death.htm

"Man arrested in fireworks store fire that kills 8", 4.7.1996, http://www.cnn.com/US/9607/04/fireworks.fire.update/index.html

1995

South Jersey. A state appeals court set aside a $1.6 million jury award to a Woodbury Heights boy who lost most of his left hand in a 1995 fireworks explosion.

The court reinstated a $977,300 damage settlement Brenden Wasniewski's family reached in 2001 with the fireworks manufacturer and its insurance carrier.The Appellate Court decision found Deptford Township was not liable for the undetonated device Wasniewski – then 10 years old – found after a Deptford Day fireworks show at Fasola Park. Wasniewski took the device home and ignited it about a month later. The explosion left him with only his little finger and part of his thumb.

The case went to trial in 2001: a jury awarded $1.6 million to Wasniewski, including $896,000 to be paid by Deptford. But the appeals panel, noting that the legal issue appears to be unprecedented in New Jersey, reasoned that the rocket the boy took home was not "public property (judges: the firework once removed from the park was no longer 'controlled by the public entity')." 3.6.2003

http://www.southjerseynews.com/issues/june/m060303b.htm

1994

Age of fireworks casualties (diagram): Age breakdown of the 9,080 people injured in the month around July 4, 1994.  

http://www.atom.co.jp/classic/USATODAY/Snapshots/firework.gif

1990 - 1994

Serious Eye Injuries Associated with Fireworks -- United States, 1990-1994 
MMWR 44(24);449-452 , Publication date: 06/23/1995

Eye injuries caused by fireworks are often severe and can cause permanently reduced visual acuity or blindness. Findings from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database maintained by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) indicate that approximately 12,000 persons are treated each year in U.S. emergency departments because of fireworks-related injuries; of these, an estimated 20% are eye injuries. To improve characterization of fireworks-related eye injuries, data were analyzed from the United States Eye Injury Registry (USEIR) for July 1990-December 1994 and from the Eye Injury Registry of Alabama (EIRA) for August 1982-July 1989. This report summarizes the findings of these analyses.
United States Eye Injury Registry 

http://wonder.cdc.gov/wonder/prevguid/m0037986/m0037986.asp#Figure_1

Gloucester City, N.J. Something went awry on a legal fireworks display on a athletic field and a shell careened at high speed into the spectators. About 40 people were injured. 4.7.1994

Source: "Man killed setting off fireworks", 5.7.1994, http://www.nytimes.com

New York City. A girl (3) found a firecracker (M-80) in an older brother's room and sparked it with a cigarette lighter; she lost the index finger and part of the middle finger on her right hand. 4.7.1994

Source: "Man killed setting off fireworks", 5.7.1994, http://www.nytimes.com

Plainview. Robert Saueressig (26) was killed when a fireworks launcher he had lighted went off in his face in a park. 4.7.1994

Source: "Man killed setting off fireworks", 5.7.1994, http://www.nytimes.com

Far Rockaway, Queens. The left hand of a deaf boy (4), who relies on sign language to communicate, had to be amputated after it was mangled when a large firecracker that the boy was playing with exploded. 2.9.1994

Source: "Deaf boy, 4, loses hand in blast of firecracker in Queens home", 3.9.1994, http://www.nytimes.com

1993

A 27-year old Framingham man was killed  when his backyard fireworks exploded in his face. 4.7.1993

Source: "Leave the fireworks to the professionals", http://www.google.ch/search?q=cache:xlp3vA5ig7YJ:www.town.brewster.ma.us/brewfire/pdf/LeaveToProsFirefacts02.pdf+burned+face+from+fireworks&hl=de&ie=UTF-8 oder http://www.town.brewster.ma.us/brewfire/pdf/LeaveToProsFirefacts02.pdf

Vince Coleman (31), a professional baseball player, tossed a firecracker near a group of fans outside Dodger Stadium after the game. The burst injured a 1-year-old girl's eye, cheek and finger, an 11-year-old boy's leg and a 33-year-old woman's eardrum. 24.7.1993

Source: "Light a fuse on Coleman's departure", 27.7.1993, http://www.nytimes.com

1992

The United States imported approximately $67 million of pyrotechnics and explosives from China in 1992. [U.S. Merchandise Trade: Exports and General Imports by Country (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census, 1993) A89]

http://www.globalmarch.org/cl-around-the-world/copy-sweat-toil94/china.php3

Fireworks fatally injured a 30-year old man on a Fairhaven beach. 4.7.1992

Source: "Leave the fireworks to the professionals", http://www.google.ch/search?q=cache:xlp3vA5ig7YJ:www.town.brewster.ma.us/brewfire/pdf/LeaveToProsFirefacts02.pdf+burned+face+from+fireworks&hl=de&ie=UTF-8 oder http://www.town.brewster.ma.us/brewfire/pdf/LeaveToProsFirefacts02.pdf

1991

Town of Genesee. An explosion in a fireworks factory killed two workers, Terri Isaacsen, 26 and Barbara Zielinski, 31, and injured two others, John Bartolotta, 37, who suffered third-degree burns over 86% of his body and a woman (20), who suffered second- and third-degree burns over 27% of her body and leveled one-story building at the company's facility. A fifth employe escaped with less serious injuries and was not hospitalised. 16.5.1991

Source: 

"Blast causes injuries at Bartolotta Fireworks", 16.11.2006, http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17476071&BRD=1400&PAG=461&dept_id=173209&rfi=6

"Fireworks blast kills 2. Explosion devastates those in family firm", 17.5.1991, http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=531232 

Brooklyn. A smoldering fire apparently caused by firecrackers killed a man (57), his wife (56) and his mother (88) in their home. 5.7.1991  

Source: "Fireworks believed cause of blaze that kills three", 6.7.1991, The New York Times

1990

Columbus, Miss. Two people were killed and two others were injured in an explosion at a fireworks factory Tuesday.

Source: "Two killed when fireworks factory explodes", 13.6.1990, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

1987

Mount Gilead, Morrow County. A man (51) lost a leg in the explosion at the Columbus Fireworks Display Manufacturing Company and died about two hours later. 5.5.1987

Source: "Explosion kills worker at fireworks concern", 5.5.1987, http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B0DE0D91E39F936A35756C0A961948260

1986

Newark. A fireworks explosion injured about 30 people who were watching a Fourth of July celebration at Ironbound Stadium. 5.7.1986

Source: "4 in Newark hospitals after fireworks blast", 6.7.1986, http://www.nytimes.com

Chetek. A garage was destroyed by fire due to the careless use of firework. 6.7.1986

Source: "Looking back July 6", 5.7.2006, http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16881198&BRD=1134&PAG=461&dept_id=150860&rfi=6

1985

Beaver Township, Ohio. Incident/Ereignis: Illegal Fireworks, Explosion. Death: 9! 20.5.1985

Source: From the list "Explosion" of "The British Association for Immediate Care (BASICS)"

http://www.basedn.freeserve.co.uk/explosion.htm

Four teenage boys threw firecrackers into an oil tank, setting off an explosion that injured the four boys (16, 15, 14). The father of one boy was injured when he tried to save his son (16), who died soon after the blast. 24.6.1985

Source: "Firecracker in oil tank kills boy and injures 4", 26.6.1985, http://www.nytimes.com

Hallett, Oklahoma, Pawnee County. A series of explosions leveled the Aerlex Corp. fireworks factory, killing 21 people. Among the dead was Harold Dean Harper (18), stepson of Aerlex owner Alan Johnson, who was injured in the blast.  

The cause of the blast was ruled accidental. It occurred as Harper and a coworker were unloading cans of marble-size explosives from a pickup. It is believed that the two workers allowed the metal cans to scrape along the bottom of the truck, causing enough friction to ignite some loose flash power in the truck bed. The explosion at the pickup may have caused a chain reaction, destroying the rest of the factory – a large steel building and seven smaller ones. Bodies were blown as far as 200 yards from the factory. 25.6.1985 

Source: 

"Only in Oklahoma: Blasts at fireworks factory left 21 dead", 14.6.2007, http://www.tulsaworld.com/webextra/itemsofinterest/centennial/centennial_storypage.asp?ID=070614_1_A4_spanc61700 

From the list "Explosion" of "The British Association for Immediate Care (BASICS)", http://www.basedn.freeserve.co.uk/explosion.htm and http://www.brainyhistory.com/events/1985/june_25_1985_158129.html  

"Fireworks blast kills 21", http://newsok.com/centennial/1985 

"Blasts at fireworks factory left 21 dead", 14.6.2007, http://www.tulsaworld.com/TWPDFs/2007/Final/W_061407_A_4.pdf

"Carelessness blamed for fireworks explosion", 28.6.1985, San Jose Mercury News

Northwest Washington. Four elementary school children were injured, two of them critically, after an explosion at the Murch School in a summer school science classroom where they were making sparklers. 13.8.1985

Source: "4 hurt in classroom blast", 13.8.1985, http://www.nytimes.com

1984

In 1984, Michael Jackson's hair caught fire, causing second- and third-degree burns to the scalp, during a fireworks explosion while filming a Pepsi commercial.

Source: "Health problems dogged Jackson through the years", 30.6.2009, http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2009-06-28-jackson-health_N.htm

1983

Explosion – illegal Benton fireworks factory (Webb Bait Farm): 11 people killed and one man seriously injured. 27.5.1983

Source: 

"Chronology of disasters in Tennessee", http://72.14.221.104/search?q=cache:hYTsxaFmfYIJ:www.tnema.org/Library/History/TNDisHist.pdf+1896+EXPLOSION+fireworks+factory&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=10

"Tennessee blast kills 11 at fireworks factory", 28.5.1983, http://www.nytimes.com

Bellport, Suffolk County. An explosion at the Grucci fireworks factory killed James Grucci (42) and Donna Gruber (19), injured 24 other people, severely damaged the factory and about 150 nearby homes. 26.11.1983

Source:

"The search goes on for explosion clues", 29.11.1983, http://www.nytimes.com 

"Fireworks blaze ruled accidental", 15.2.1984, http://www.nytimes.com

1982

North Beach. Two tons of highly explosive fireworks, more than 50 years old (some of the firecrackers were dated 1908), were discovered in a shed in a courtyard behind the Washington Square Bar & Grill. More than 150 people were evacuated. 14.12.1982

Source: "Very old illegal fireworks were discovered in North Beach in 1982", 9.12.2007, http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/12/09/PK4OTKK9E.DTL

1981

Newport. 2.4.1981, Blast at Johns Street at 12:17 p.m.: Steve Thomas (26) and Billy Chip West (21), two roofers, died. 34 of the injured people were treated in hospital, but none suffered life-threatening injuries. 

Suspicion soon turned to illegal fireworks as M-80s were found littering the ground. While some police officers concentrated on the blast scene, other officers fanned out infor other illegal fireworks manufacturing places and storage buildings. Police said they believed the Newport building was being used as a factory for fireworks. 

The Red Cross provided temporary shelter for the displaced.

By April 4, the damage estimate topped $2.4 million with a total of 260 buildings suffering some amount of damage. Of those, 13 were listed as destroyed and 37 as structurally damaged. 45 cars and trucks were damaged.

A central figure in the investigation was Victor Scharstein. In October 1982, Scharstein was found guilty of operating an illegal fireworks operation that killed the two men. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison. He was released in 1988 after serving six years in jail.

Literature: 

"Fireworks blast destroyed 13 buildings. Two lives lost, 24 injured; explosion blamed on fireworks", http://www.kypost.com/2005/03/14/reis031405.html

1977

Gresham's fireworks display went up in flames and exploded at the Gresham High football field when an errant spark set off a stored supply of pyrochenics. The explosion sent three people to the hospital and thousands fleeing for cover. A committee was set up to see what went wrong.

Source: "Gresham fireworks set off explosion in 1977", 11.7.2007, http://www.theoutlookonline.com/opinion/story.php?story_id=118417594350435600

1976

A powerful firecracker exploded in a glass-encased fire extinguisher cabinet in the Cliffside Park, N.J., High School, spraying a hallway with glass shards that killed a girl (14) and injured two others. 24.5.1976

Source: The New York Times

1963

North Charleston, S.C. Stored fireworks exploded in a supermarket: at least five persons killed and 14 others injured. 31.12.1963

Source: "Fireworks blasts in store kill five", 1.1.1964, http://www.nytimes.com

1958

Elkhart. John Bentley (12) made a homemade pipe bomb 42 inches long. He picked up the pipe bomb that he thought was a dud. A piece that was still smoldering hit the gunpowder and exploded, sending him 210 feet down the street, and taking part of his hand, his thumb and two fingers. It damaged both his legs. 7.2.1958

http://www.wndu.com/news/072002/news_14960.php

Portland, Ore. Explosion of fireworks in a warehouse: a girl (4) killed, 289 houses damaged. 5.7.1958

Source: "Fireworks blast kills 1, injures 26", 6.7.1958, http://www.nytimes.com

1954

Leyden Township. A series of explosions destroyed the Melrose Fireworks Company plant: three men killed and a fourth burned seriously. 16.7.1954

Source: "Chicago blasts kill 3", 17.7.1954, http://www.nytimes.com

1942

Perinton, N.Y. Explosion and fire at the Rochester Fireworks Company plant: 9 persons killed and 10 others injured. 6.11.1942

Source: "Fireworks blast kills 9, injures 10", 7.11.1942, http://www.nytimes.com

1930

Devon. Explosion in the Pennsylvania Fireworks Display Company, Inc.: 10 killed, 4 injured critically and several persons suffered less serious injuries. 3.4.1930

Source: "Explosions kill 10 in fireworks plant", 4.4.1930, http://www.nytimes.com

Neptune, N.J. The death list in the explosion of combination home and fireworks factory on July 5, 1930,  increased to four on July 6, 1930. Three others were critically injured.

Source:

"3 die, 3 hurt in blast in fireworks plant", 6.7.1930, http://www.nytimes.com

"Death toll is four in fireworks blast", 7.7.1930, http://www.nytimes.com

1929

Hanover, Mass. Three persons were killed and many others seriously injured when a fireworks factory was hit by an explosion. 13.5.1929

Source: The Decatur Evening Herald

Moonachie Township, Bergen County, N.J. Two explosions partly demolished the plant of the Hudson Fire Works Company. 11.7.1929

Source: "Fireworks plant blasts break 1,000-windows and shake Jersey homes five miles distant", 12.7.1929, http://www.nytimes.com

1926

Detroit. In the Fourth of July celebrations that year, seven people died and 461 were hurt.

The Fourth fell on a Sunday, resulting in a three-day holiday.

The first death occurred Sunday. A 2½-year-old boy burned to death. By Tuesday, an exhausted city sat down to total its fireworks casualties. All of the dead were children. Five died of burns and two were poisoned when they ate firecrackers. 4.7.1926

Source: "Detroit's bloodiest Fourth of July celebration, 1926", 28.6.2006, http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060628/LIFESTYLE/606280419/1005

New Durham section of North Bergen, N.J. An explosion wrecked the fireworks manufacturing plant of Carmelo Nastasi. 9.10.1926, 

Source: "Explosion wrecks fireworks plant", 10.8.1926, http://www.nytimes.com

1925

Palisades, N.J. A cigarette butt carelessly tossed into a pile of sweepings in the Palisades Fireworks Manufacturing Company's plant resulted in an explosion which killed one man and mortally injured another. 20.11.1925

Source: "Workman who tossed butt into fireworks plant sweepings is blinded and dying", 21.11.1925, http://www.nytimes.com

1921

Rainier Valley. Explosion of the Hitt's Fireworks factory. One woman working at the plant was killed. 1921

Source: "John D. Parker recalls the 1921 explosion of the Hitt's Fireworks factory in the Rainier Valley", http://www.historylink.org/essays/output.cfm?file_id=3036

Randolph, Mass. Explosions in the plant of the United States Fireworks Company. Some persons suffered minor hurts. 15.4.1921

Source: "Fireworks blast terrorizes town ", 16.4.1921, http://www.nytimes.com

1915

North Bergen, N.J. Fireworks factory wrecked, two dead, September 1915

Source: "Many explosions since war began", 31.7.1916, http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9E07E1DC1E3FE233A25752C3A9619C946796D6CF

1914

Chicago. The president of the Pain Fireworks Display Company of America and four employes were killed by an explosion which destroyed the Pain Company's plant. A boy was severely injured. 30.9.1914

Source: 

"Fireworks kill five", 1.10.1914, http://www.nytimes.com

"Many explosions since war began", 31.7.1916, http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9E07E1DC1E3FE233A25752C3A9619C946796D6CF

Jersey City, N.J. Four men were killed and at least fifty persons were slightly injured by an explosion which demolished eight buildings of the Detwiller & Street Fireworks Manufacturing Company. 3.10.1914

Source: 

"Explosion kills 4 in fireworks plant", 4.10.1914, http://www.nytimes.com

"Many explosions since war began", 31.7.1916, http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?res=9E07E1DC1E3FE233A25752C3A9619C946796D6CF

1908

Rochester, N.Y. In an explosion that wrecked a building of the Rochester Fireworks Company two women (20, 28) were killed, a third was seriously injured and a fourth woman was little injured. 2.1.1908

Source: "Women killed in explosion", 3.1.1908, http://www.nytimes.com

Steeplechase Island. In the night, explosion in a building used as a factory for making fireworks. 2.7.1908

Source: "Fireworks factory destroyed", 4.7.1908, http://www.nytimes.com

1905

Williamsburg. The son of the owner (16) was killed, the owner's wife and three other sons (12, 10, 6) and a workman were seriously injured in the explosion in the fireworks factory owned by Joseph Spezzio, located between Gardner and Varick Avenues. The factory was totally destroyed. 25.9.1905

Source:

"Fireworks explosion kills one, hurts five", 26.9.1905, http://www.nytimes.com

"Boy killed in explosion. Small fireworks factory at Green Point, N.Y., destroyed", 26.9.1905, The Washington Post  

1903

Newark, N.J. Six girls (ages from fourteen to eighteen years) suffered serious burns in an explosion of fireworks followed by fire in the small fireworks factory of A.M. Meyer at Second and Essex Streets, Harrison. The building was destroyed. 26.2.1903

Source: Six girls injured by fireworks explosion, 26.2.1903, http://www.nytimes.com

1900

Fostoria, Ohio. Explosion in the Columbia Firecracker Works: six employes injured. 10.2.1900

Source: "Firecracker works blow up", 11.2.1900, http://www.nytimes.com

Philadelphia. Explosion in fireworks factory: 3 killed, 14 persons injured. 17.6.1900

Source: "Killed in a fireworks factory", 18.6.1900, http://www.nytimes.com

1899

Graniteville, S.I. 36 buildings of the Nordlinger-Charlton fireworks plant were destroyed in an explosion. A score of persons were injured more or less severely. 8.6.1899

Source: "Wrecked by fireworks", 9.6.1899, http://www.nytimes.com

1898

Minneapolis. Explosion of nearly a ton of fireworks in the manufacturing plant of G.W. Porter: Six persons, one of whom may die, injured. 26.8.1898

Source: "Fireworks explode", 28.8.1898, http://www.nytimes.com

1896

Chicago. Explosion in a building of the Chicago Fireworks Company: two employes (16 and 15) killed and seven others injured. 15.4.1896

Source: "Firecracker caused two deaths", 16.4.1896, http://www.nytimes.com

1895

Jersey City. Explosion in Jacob T. Detwiller's fireworks factory, in the Greenville district. Five employes were injured. The factory was burned to the ground. 2.10.1895

Source: The Middletown Daily Argus (3.10.1895)

1894

Blandford, Va. Eleven men were killed and nine others seriously injured in an explosion and a fire in the fireworks factory of C.N. Romaine and Brother. Several other buildings were burned to the ground, too. 7.4.1894

Source: "Fireworks kill eleven men", 8.4.1894, http://www.nytimes.com

1893

Reading.  Explosion at the Diehl fireworks plant. A youth (18) was killed, another (24) fatally and two (18) seriously injured. 30.1.1893

Source: "A fireworks plant explodes", 31.1.1893, http://www.nytimes.com

Coney Island. Two men were seriously injured in an explosion in one of the buildings of the Gravesend plant of the Pain Fireworks Company. The building was destroyed. 11.7.1893

Source: "Two men seriously hurt at Pain's Greavesend fireworks plant", 12.7.1893, http://www.nytimes.com

1887

East Williamsburg. Two workers were severely injured in an explosion in the C.B. Bidwell Standard Fireworks factory. The building was completely destroyed. 28.7.1887

Source: "Fireworks factory wrecked", 29.7.1887, http://www.nytimes.com

1860

Boston. A pyrotechnist was fatally injured by the premature explosion of fireworks. 22.2.1860

Source: "Explosion of fireworks", 24.2.1860, http://query.nytimes.com/mem/archive-free/pdf?_r=1&res=9503E7DA1131EE3ABC4C51DFB466838B679FDE&oref=slogin

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