Ø      If you are interested in informations about fireworks-related injuries, deaths and fires etc. in America, for the years 1860 - 2005 please go to Accidents caused by fireworks / America or to http://www.stop-fireworks.org/accidents_america.htm. 

Ø      If you are interested in informations about fireworks-related injuries, deaths and fires etc. in America, for the year 2010 please go to Accidents caused by fireworks III / America or to http://www.stop-fireworks.org/accidents_america_3.htm. 

On this page you will find information about the years 2006 - 2009:

2009

Allentown. The fire at Allentown Mobile Home Park, located along Pisgah Highway, was accidental, an investigator said. Three juveniles were playing with fireworks. No charges will be filed. The fire destroyed a building and its contents, including two cars. 1.1.2009

Source: "Fireworks blamed for fire", 3.1.2009, http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009901030337

Cooper City, Fla. William Turner (41) was setting off professional-grade fireworks in his backyard when he was somehow injured in the thigh by one of the explosives. He was transported to a hospital but died of his injuries. BSO spokeswoman Keyla Concepcion said it was legal for Turner to buy the professional-grade fireworks but not to use them. BSO's bomb squad was called out to the home in the 8700 block of Southwest 51^st Place to retrieve additional fireworks after the accident. 1.1.2009

Source:

"Cooper City man killed in New Year's Eve fireworks accident", http://www.miamiherald.com/news/miami-dade/story/834519.html 

"Cooper City man dead, New Years fireworks blamed", 1.1.2009, http://cbs4.com/local/fireworks.death.cooper.2.898368.html

"Cooper City man fatally injured by New Year's fireworks", 1.1.2009, http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sfl-new-year-death-0101,0,4848335.story 

"Fla. Man dies from fireworks injury", 1.1.2009, http://www.fortmilltimes.com/124/story/408236.html

Hutchinson. A man (44) initially lost two fingers and suffered burns to his arms after a homemade explosive blew up. He lit about 50 sparklers that were tied together. Doctors reportedly had to amputate the hand.

Source: "Hutch man loses hand to fireworks", 1.1.2009, http://www.kansascity.com/news/breaking_news/story/960306.html

Loxahatchee Groves, Fla. Officials at the Rare Species Conservatory Foundation are blaming the loud noise from New Year's Eve fireworks for the death of a rare red-browed Amazon parrot. They found him on New Year's Day with severe head and face injuries. The director of the conservation center says the injuries indicate that the bird had thrashed itself to death against its enclosure; the animals always get spooked by the fireworks but have never reacted so violently. 1.1.2009

Source:

"Parrot spooked to death by fireworks", 2.1.2009, http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/orl-bk-parrot-fireworks-010209,0,7349502.story 

"Rare bird, spooked by fireworks, thrashes itself to death", 1.1.2009, http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/content/local_news/epaper/2009/01/01/0101deadbird.html

Midland County. Fireworks are getting the blame for a grassfire. – The two men setting off the fireworks were each given a ticket for reckless endangerment. 2.1.2009

Source: "Fireworks to blame for afternoon grassfire in Midland County", 2.1.2009, http://www.newswest9.com/Global/story.asp?S=9610194&nav=menu505_2

Salina. Smoke bomb fireworks started a grass fire at 317 South 12^th Street that caused $500 damage to a detached garage, an above ground swimming pool and the grass. 1.1.2009

Source: "Relatively quiet New Year in Salina", 1.1.2009, http://www.ksallink.com/?cmd=displaystory&story_id=6981&format=html

St. Petersburg. Investigators believe the house fire in the 3200 block of Queen Street North just before 10 a.m. may have been caused by firework. Damage: approximately $40,000. 1.1.2009

Source: "Fireworks possibly to blame for St. Pete house fire", 1.1.2009, http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=8179446&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1

St. Petersburg. Two teenagers playing with fireworks did an estimated $3,000 damage,

Firefighters responded to a fire call at 6340 43^rd Ave. N. and found the blaze contained to the exterior of the house. 1.1.2009

Source:

"Teens' fireworks scorch Keeneth City home, authorities say", 1.1.2008, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28455508/ 

"Fireworks likely caused St. Petersburg house fire", 1.1.2008, http://www.tampabays10.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=97076&catid=8

Wyoming. A boy (12) may lose his thumb after lighting a home-made firecracker he found and that exploded in his hand. 1.1.2009

Source: "Bunger may cost boy his thumb", 2.1.2009, http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,27574,24863234-5006009,00.html

Lufkin. A rocket-type firework broke a window at a residence in the 400 block of Calvert Street.

Source: "Wayward firework takes out a home's window", 2.1.2009, http://www.lufkindailynews.com/hp/content/news/police/stories/2009/01/03/police_report.html

Tulsa. A boy (11) could face adult charges for third degree arson after a 20-acres-fire on January 3, 2009. Authorities believe the boy was playing with firecrackers in an empty lot near the intersection of Apache and Yale.

Source: "11-year-old boy faces adult charges for fire", 4.1.2009, http://krmg.com/localnews/2009/01/11yearold-boy-faces-adult-char.html

Pebble Beach. A homemade oversized firecracker was discovered in a mailbox off of Middle Ranch Road. Instead of exploding inside of the metal mailbox it vented its contents through the open end of the cylindrical container and the flame produced by the burning gases left black carbon marking on the inside of the mailbox door. 5.1.2009

Source: "Homemade firecracker found in Pebble Beach mailbox", 7.1.2009, http://thecalifornian.com/article/20090107/NEWS01/90107013/1002

Alexandria. A group of men drove by several times shooting fireworks at people. During one of the times, the men shot one firework at a 24-year-old woman hitting her in the pants leg and catching it on fire.

Source: "Alexandria woman: Pants caught fire from fireworks", 6.1.2009, http://www.thetowntalk.com/article/20090106/NEWS01/901060328

Fire officials are saying fireworks are to blame for a small blaze at the Oceano Dunes. 11.1.2009

Source: "Fireworks to blame for a fire at Oceano Dunes", 12.1.2009, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28621504/

Latrobe. In his grandmother's house, a teen (17) kept lighting and extinguishing the fuse of a large firecracker like an M-80, that he had found in an unlocked cabinet; and when it wouldn't go out, he put the firework between his thighs and covered it with his right hand in hopes of muffling the explosion (police say). His right hand and leg were amputated after the explosion. His left leg was also injured in the explosion. 10.1.2009

Source:

"Latrobe teen injured while holding firework on lap", 27.1.2009, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28879256/ 

"Police say Pa. Boy lost hand, leg from fireworks", 28.1.2009, http://www.eveningsun.com/ci_11571439

"Injured Pa. Teen admits lighting 'cracker'", 28.1.2009, http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/01/28/Injured_Pa_teen_admits_lighting_cracker/UPI-69501233178308/

Osceola County, Fla. A group of children playing with fireworks sparked a five-acres-brush fire. 18.1.2009

Source: "Kids playing with fireworks start brush fire", 19.1.2009, http://www.wftv.com/news/18511157/detail.html

Colorado Springs. The one-acre grass fire on Saddle Mountain Road was sparked by a fire cracker, said fire officials. 19.1.2009

Source: "Grass fire sparked by fire cracker", 19.1.2009, http://www.kktv.com/home/headlines/37839194.html

Vilonia. Authorities said fireworks may have sparked a fire that destroyed one mobile home and damaged another at Number 18 and Number 25 Laci Lane. $60,000 damages of the one mobile home that is "completely gone" and $5,000 in damage to the second mobile home. 7.2.2009

Source: "Vilonia fire sparked by fireworks, VFD says", 8.2.2009, http://www.thecabin.net/stories/020809/loc_0208090009.shtml

Bourbonnais, IL. A pair of Olivet Nazarene University students (22, 20) who tossed an M-150 firecracker into the Eternal Flame on campus last week were arrested on charge of disorderly conduct. The police found fragments of the explosive near the torch and an identical firecracker in the student's vehicle. 18.2.2009

Source: "Police blotter – Feb. 24, 2009", http://www.daily-journal.com/archives/dj/display.php?id=436047

Salina. An illegal firework is blamed for starting a grass fire that damaged the outside of a home on Kingston Street. 19.2.2009

Source: "Bottle rocket blamed for starting fire", 20.2.2009, http://www.ksallink.com/?cmd=displaystory&story_id=7729&format=html

River Falls. Six high school-age male students apparently set off fireworks while riding in a van just outside the town. The explosion burned all six, leaving blistering marks on their hands and arms. 5.3.2009

Source: "Boys burned by fireworks explosion", 10.3.2009, http://www.rivertowns.net/daily/rfj/c090310/

Holiday, Fla. Firefighters discovered a body after putting out a fire at a small fireworks store at the corner of US 19 and Moog Road. The store and most of its fireworks went up in flames just before 6 pm.  – An electrical short in the wall caused the fire, according to preliminary information from the Pasco County Sheriff's Office. The blaze then ignited the fireworks inside, authorities said. March 9, 2009, Pasco Sheriff's detectives identified the man who died when Liberty Fireworks went up in flames on March 7, 2009, as Angelo Carbone (39), the store's owner.

Source:

"Body found inside charred Holiday fireworks store", 8.3.2009, http://www.abcactionnews.com/news/local/story/Body-found-inside-charred-Holiday-fireworks-store/XTpFwTjLf0C6lX5HFYdrDg.cspx

"Pasco officials have no name for fireworks store blaze victim", 9.3.2009, http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/accidents/article982257.ece

"Electrical short caused Pasco fireworks store fire", 9.3.2009, http://www.weartv.com/template/inews_wire/wires.regional.fl/34b378fc-www.weartv.com.shtml

"Holiday fireworks store owner killed in weekend blaze", 9.3.2009, http://blogs.tampabay.com/breakingnews/2009/03/holiday-firewor.html

"Victim in Holiday fireworks store blaze was owner", 10.3.2009, http://www.tampabay.com/news/briefs/article982570.ece

North Myrtle Beach. A man received second degree burns on his leg after trying to put out a fire caused by fireworks on the beach at 10^th Ave. N. 11.3.2009

Source: "Man receives burns after trying to put out fire caused by fireworks", 11.3.2009, http://www.thesunnews.com/news/breaking_news/story/816214.html

Marietta. A cab driver who was throwing fireworks out the window of his car on the 400 block of Warren Street was arrested by the police. 15.3.2009

Source: "Cab driver arrested for throwing fireworks", 16.3.2009, http://www.wtap.com/news/headlines/41313822.html

Carlisle. Two Nicholas County High School students set off fireworks as a prank near the porch of a teacher's home on Walnut Grove Road on March 18, 2009. Hours later, the sparks from those fireworks led to flames in the attic of the home. The house was a total loss. Apparently, sparks from the earlier fireworks explosion had gone through the eaves of the roof and into the attic, where insulation smoldered and caused the fire to spread. – One teen (18) has been charged with third-degree arson and criminal mischief, the other 18-year-old has been charged with one count of criminal trespass. A 17-year-old boy was also charged with criminal trespass.

Source:

"Three teens charged with arson in Nicholas County fire", 19.3.2009, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29777417/

"Two students charged in arson fire that destroyed teacher's home", 20.3.2009, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29780801/

"A third student is charged in fire at Nicholas Co. teacher's house", 20.3.2009, http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/731595.html

Oldsmar, Florida. Pinellas deputies responded to a fire in the Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve. 60 acres inside the preserve ended up scorched. Preliminary indications are that it could have resulted after witnesses saw several youths playing with fireworks. 21.3.2009

Source:

"Fireworks possibly to blame for Oldsmar brush fire", 22.3.2009, http://www.wtsp.com/news/mostpop/story.aspx?storyid=102710&provider=top

"Fireworks may be cause of 60-acre brush fire at Oldsmar Park", 21.3.2009, http://www.abcactionnews.com/news/local/story/Fireworks-may-be-cause-of-60-acre-brush-fire-at/g6h7ZGA0_kmjuKdw8k29nw.cspx

Northeast Cape Coral, Fl. A fire at 3407 NE 19^th Ave, that started because children were playing with fireworks, was put out before it could do any damage. 28.3.2009

Source: "Blaze sparked by fireworks put out in Cape Coral", 28.3.2009, http://news-press.com/article/20090328/NEWS0101/90328019

Savannah, GA. An investigation revealed that a fire in the Holiday Inn Express was started by fireworks set off inside one of the rooms. A guest stated he had set off a Roman Candle. Firefighters had to evacuate the hotel. - SCMPD charged the man with felony criminal damage. 5.4.2009

Source: "Savannah fire: Indoor fireworks go off with a bang", 6.4.2009, http://www.wtoctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=10137880

Columbus. Anoka County prosecutors filed an arson charge against a Forest Lake volunteer firefighter accused of intentionally setting a grassfire. The 40-year-old allegedly used a firework to start a fire April 6, 2009, in the Carlos Avery Wildlife Management Area in the city of Columbus. The fire burned more than 1,500 acres of land.

Source:

"Forest Lake firefighter charged, under scrutiny from start", 8.4.2009, http://kstp.com/news/stories/S871177.shtml?cat=1 

"Witnesses help catch fireman accused of starting Anoka Co. grass fire", 8.4.2009, http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=594967

Valley, Omaha, Neb. A 18-year-old was driving with friends shooting fireworks out a car window, when a large firework exploded in his hand and injured him. 13.4.2009

Source:

"'Artillery shell' firework explodes in man's hand", 13.4.2009, http://www.ketv.com/news/19168782/detail.html

"Teen injured when firework explodes inside car", 14.4.2009, http://www.action3news.com/Global/story.asp?S=10177679

Taunton. A man (40) admitted to authorities that he was the one who ignited a box of Swordfish Fountain fireworks after setting it down on the Cohannel Street sidewalk next to Mutual Gas station at 96 Winthrop Street. The man was not arrested but could be summoned to face at least one count of unlawful possession of fireworks, according to Taunton police officers. 7.5.2009

Source: "Man ignites fireworks next to city gas station", 7.5.2009, http://www.tauntongazette.com/news/x2133275770/Man-ignites-fireworks-next-to-city-gas-station

Seattle. Seattle police and firefighters were called to a North Seattle QFC store at 9999 Holman Road N.W. after someone tossed a "fountain-style firework" inside the store. A woman (26) was burned on the leg by the sparks. 23.5.2009

Source: "Fireworks at North Seattle supermarket leaves woman hurt", 24.5.2009, http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/theblotter/2009258036_fireworks_prank_at_ballard_sup.html

Hopkins. A fire at a store on the western edge of downtown Hopkins burned for several hours around midday, sending black smoke high overhead and setting off fireworks inside the business. 26.5.2009

Source:

"Fire sets off fireworks at Hopkins store", 26.5.2009, http://kstp.com/news/stories/S948074.shtml?cat=1 

"Fire at Hopkins store ignites fireworks, pours smoke", 27.5.2009, http://www.startribune.com/local/west/46103377.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUF 

"Fireworks a possible cause in Hopkins fire", 27.5.2009, http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=739215&catid=2

Emmett. A boy playing with fireworks is said to be behind what turned into a massive fire that levelled three buildings in downtown Emmett. An investigator with the State Fire Marshall's Office said that a 13-year-old was trying to light a firework, but flammable liquids were too close to the flame. They caught fire, the flames spread and quickly got out of control, spreading through a residential building, a warehouse and a bar. 5.6.2009

Source: "Fireworks blamed for Emmett fire", 5.6.2009, http://www.wibw.com/localnews/headlines/47109117.html&ct=ga&cd=fiqJr1smZwY&usg=AFQjCNEbOCYJ-yJUCJ7kQinTmyrbDGW9ww

Kansas City, Mo. A 17-year-old couldn't tell whether the M80-firecracker he tried to light had ignited, so he continued holding it and it blew up in his hand. The teen lost a fingertip in the explosion. 6.6.2009

Source:

"Firecracker blows off KC teen's fingertip", 8.6.2009, http://www.kmbc.com/news/19696373/detail.html

"Teen loses part of finger in fireworks explosion", 8.6.2009, http://www.fox4kc.com/wdaf-fireworks-injury-060809,0,6139514.story

Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. The Coeur d'Alene Fire Department responded to a grass fire in a field which threatened a boat trailer in the 100 block of Hattie Avenue. The city fire investigators discovered the remains of an illegal firework at the area of the fire's origin. 8.6.2009

Source: "First fireworks-related fire of the season", 11.6.2009, http://cdacity.blogspot.com/2009/06/first-fireworks-related-fire-of-season.html

Selah. Two kids playing with illegal fireworks set fire to brush near Lookout Point. When they couldn't put it out, they called 9-1-1. The fire spread quickly, burning about 75 acres.

Source:

"Illegal fireworks cause large brush fire", 11.6.2009, http://www.kapptv.com/news/?sect_rank=1&section_id=22&story_id=16157 

"Fireworks fire", 11.6.2009, http://www.kimatv.com/news/local/47890702.html

A Lorain County (Ohio) father will have to perform community service after his 12-year-old son had part of his finger blown off by an exploding firework.  

Earlier this month his son lit a Roman candle firecracker and it exploded in his hand. The tip of the boy's little finger is missing and he had third-degree burns on his palm.

The man pleaded guilty in court. He was charged because his son is a minor. The man faced a $400 fine and 30 days in jail. Instead, he will perform one day of community service.  

Source: "Man charged after firecracker blows off part of son's finger", 17.6.2009, http://www.newsnet5.com/news/19780947/detail.html

Baltimore. Animal Control Officers found a dead cat bound with a chain and rope to a fence and severely burned by firecrackers in the 3700 block of Lewiston Ave. near Arlington Elementary School in Northwest Baltimore on June 17, 2009. Deborah Rahl of the Baltimore Area Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCA) told WBAL News that firecrackers had been placed under the cats head, and the firecrackers exploded.

Source:

"Authorities probe cat killing", 18.6.2009, http://wbal.com/apps/news/templates/story.aspx?articleid=29655&zoneid=2 

"Baltimore officials concerned by animal torture", 18.6.2009, http://wjz.com/wireapnewsfmd/Baltimore.officials.concerned.2.1050237.html 

"O'Malley wants review of md. animal cruelty laws" 19.6.2009, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/19/AR2009061901030.html 

"O'Malley asks for review of animal cruelty laws", 19.6.2009, http://breakingnews.baltimoresun.com/2009/06/19/omalley-asks-for-review-of-animal-cruelty-laws/

Talleyville, Del. The Delaware State Fire Marshal's Office said a man damaged a toilet at an Arby's by setting off fireworks in the bathroom. 18.6.2009

Source: "Man sets off fireworks in bathroom in Del. Arby's", 19.6.2009, http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jx35sbQ3FpyEu7eWuVhQnpZ44Z_AD98TADVO0

Fremont, Steuben County, IN. More than a dozen fire departments were called to a fireworks storage building off Interstate 69 after lightning hit it around 6 a.m. When the firefighters got to 7055 N. Old U.S. 27, north of the Indiana Toll Road, they found heavy smoke and fire, with fireworks shooting as far as 100 feet from the metal storage building, reaching the roadway and parked semis from neighboring truck stops. The losses are estimated at $50,000 which includes $40,000 worth of fireworks merchandise. 19.6.2009

Source:

"Fireworks building goes up in flames", 19.6.2009, http://www.wane.com/dpp/mobile/local_wane_fremont_fireworks_storage_unit_catches_fire_200906191615

"Lightning sets fireworks store ablaze", 19.6.2009, http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20090619/LOCAL07/906199936 

"Verbatim: Lightning hits fireworks store", 19.6.2009, http://www.journalgazette.net/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090619/BLOGS01/906199939

Seattle. A woman threw a burning firework at a raccoon, to shoo it from her yard and that set off a brush fire that spread to a neighbor's property on Beacon Hill. The fire burned a shed and spread to dry grass. 24.6.2009

Source: "Raccoon, firecracker start fire", 25.6.2009, http://www.mynorthwest.com/?nid=11&sid=182411

Louisville, KY. Okolona Fire crews were called to a home in Dawkins Court around 7 p.m. While the son was playing the computer , his 12-year-old friend shot off a bottle rocket in his bedroom, bounced off the ceiling, landed on his bed and caught the bed clothing on fire. 26.6.2009

Source: "Fireworks leave Louisville family shaken up", 29.6.2009, http://www.wave3.com/Global/story.asp?S=10608643

St. Paul. Teenagers playing with legal fountain fireworks were blamed for setting fire to a duplex home on Roblyn Avenue near Prior Avenue N around 1.20 a.m. The fire started on the front porch. The flames burned through the second floor and reached the roof. The fire displaced nine people, including six children. 26.6.2009

Source: "Fireworks blamed for St. Paul duplex fire", 29.6.2009, http://kstp.com/news/stories/S1002253.shtml?cat=1

Arthur, Ill. Two or three people attending a large fireworks display suffered minor burns when a shell misfired. The Arthur Police Chief says an explosive shell landed in what is supposed to be a safe zone between the firing area and a crowd that numbered in the thousands. 27.6.2009

Source:

"Spectators suffer minor burns in fireworks accident", 30.6.2009, http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2009/06/30/spectators_suffer_minor_burns_in

"Injuries at central Illinois fireworks show being investigated by the state", 30.6.2009, http://www.wqad.com/news/sns-ap-il--fireworksinjuries,0,1028109.story

Coudersport. A Northern Tier man is charged with violating Pennsylvania's fireworks law. The 18-year-old threw a firework out of the car he was a passenger. The firework struck the emergency entrance of Charles Cole Memorial Hospital. 27.6.2009

Source: "Man allegedly threw firecracker at hospital", 29.6.2009, http://www.weny.com/News-Local.asp?ARTICLE3864=9145839

Boundary County. A fire believed to be set by bottle rockets broke out on Riverside Road in the field across from the tennis courts along the banks of the Kootenai River. 28.6.2009

Source: "BCSO says fireworks to blame for Sunday fire", 2.7.2009, http://www.bonnersferryherald.com/articles/2009/07/02/local/doc4a4cdf76b2de1280545477.txt

Cottonwood Heights. Firefighters responded to a grass brush fire as fireworks burned about 3 acres at Bywater Park. Four nearby homes were evacuated as a precaution for about 40 minutes. 30.6.2009

Source: 

"Tis the season: Fireworks spark 3-acre blaze", 30.6.2009, http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_12720291 

"Blaze in Salt Lake County prompts fireworks warning", 30.6.2009, http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705313904/Blaze-prompts-fireworks-warning.html

Larimer County. Two teenage boys setting off fireworks sparked a fire that torched a house trailer at Timber Ridge South Mobile Home Park. The 14-year-old boys face charges of fourth-degree arson and criminal mischief. 30.6.2009

Source: "Larimer County teens face charges as fireworks spark home blaze", 2.7.2009, http://www.denverpost.com/entertainment/ci_12737444

Perryville. A ground based sparkling device was placed up against the front door of Lindy's Deli, in the 5400 block of Pulaski Highway and ignited. The flames caused minor damage to the front of the building. Two teenagers (14, 15) are facing charges. 30.6.2009

Source: "2 teens charged with attempted arson", 9.7.2009, http://www.abc2news.com/news/local/story/2-Teens-Charged-with-Attempted-Arson/EgcDitnQPEyiFaYM_0UiNw.cspx

Snohomish County. At 5:35 p.m. Snohomish county Fire District 7 responded to a report of a roof fire in the 5100 block of 176^th St. SE. Upon arrival, crews found flames coming from nearly 50 percent of the roof. The fire is believed to have started from fireworks. The preliminary damage assessment values the loss of the structure at 1.2 million and the contents at $800,000. 30.6.2009

Source: "Snohomish County Fire District 7", 6.7.2009, http://www.snohomishtimes.com/snohomishNEWS.cfm?inc=story&newsID=664

Fayetteville, N.C. A 16-year-old was arrested on July 14, 2009, and charged with burning the Douglas Byrd Middle School on July 1, 2009.

According to a court document, the teen climbed onto the roof of the middle school and ignited several fireworks. He also dropped a smoke bomb through an open window of the gymnasium, the document said. The smoke bomb is believed to have caused a tarp inside the building to ignite, which quickly set the structure ablaze. The gym, the band rooms and the locker rooms were destroyed. The 16-year-old and two juveniles have admitted their involvement to officials with Cumberland County schools, the document said.

Investigators later determined the fire was started by fireworks. Firefighters reported finding remnants of fireworks near the gym and cafeteria buildings.

School officials estimated damage at $4 million.

Source:

"Arrest made in school fire", 15.7.2009, http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=6914958 

"16-year-old charged in school fire", 14.7.2009, http://www.ncwanted.com/ncwanted_home/story/5573452/ 

"Arrest made in Douglas Byrd Middle School fire", 14.7.2009, http://www.fayobserver.com/Articles/2009/07/15/917256

Fresno, CA. Three days after a fire destroyed a Northwest Fresno home, fire officials with the city of Fresno say fireworks are to blame.

Source: "Fireworks cause Fresno's biggest fire in decades", 4.7.2009, http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?section=news/local&id=6898347

North Platte. A modified firework set a cornfield on fire near Gun Club Drive 1.7.2009

Source: "Fireworks blamed on three fire", 3.7.2009, http://www.nptelegraph.com/articles/2009/07/03/news/60003459.txt

Rancho Reata area. Bushes in front of a home on Clover Road in fire: The fire was caused by a fiework that exploded inside a mailbox. 1.7.2009

Source: "Fireworks suspected in Rancho Reata mailbox destruction", 3.7.2009, http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/northwest/story/799017.html

Richland. A mailbox explosion in the 600 block of Meadows Drive was likely caused by fireworks. 1.7.2009

Source: "Fireworks suspected in Rancho Reata mailbox destruction", 3.7.2009, http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/northwest/story/799017.html

Bennettsville in Marlboro County, SC. A 4-year-old boy and a 6-year-old girl are recovering after being burnt by fireworks. The children were on the front porch watching their father shoot fireworks in the street. When the father lit one of the fireworks, it tilted towards the porch and burned the two children. 2.7.2009

Source: "Children recovering after being burnt by fireworks", 6.7.2009, http://www.wmbfnews.com/Global/story.asp?S=10649651

Diversey Harbor. Someone apparently used some kind of fireworks to blow up a "Port-A-Potty". 2.7.2009

Source: "Fireworks used to blow up portable toilet at Diversey Harbor", 3.7.2009, http://www.suntimes.com/news/24-7/1651111,w-port-a-potty-toilet-blow-up-fireworks-070309.article

Folsom. What was supposed to be a spectacular fireworks show on the first night of the Folsom Rodeo went awry when an errant firework exploded into the stands. Six people suffered minor injuries. 2.7.2009

Source:

"Fireworks mishap at Folsom rodeo injures six", 3.7.2009, http://cbs13.com/local/folsom.rodeo.fireworks.2.1070351.html

"Errant fireworks injuries 6 at Folsom Rodeo", 3.7.2009, http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/crime/archives/2009/07/errant-firework.html

Marlboro County. Someone was shooting fireworks at a home on Wafer Road, when one hit a bucket filled with other fireworks causing it to ignite. A four-year-old boy and six-year-old girl were sitting on the porch near the bucket; the boy suffered minor injuries, but the girl has second degree burns to her face, chest and neck.  2.7.2009

Source: "Fireworks accident sends children to burn center", 3.7.2009, http://www.carolinalive.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=320549

Milwaukee. 13 people living in a house on the corner of North 30^th and West Vliet Streets get out safely as a fire destroyed much of the building. A woman who lived there says the blaze was caused by firecrackers set off by kids attempt to hurt a dog. 2.7.2009

Source: "Fire reportedly started by firecrackers to hurt dog", 3.7.2009, http://www.todaystmj4.com/news/local/49839927.html

Piedmont, S.C. A 15-year-old teenager remains in a medically induced coma one week after a fireworks explosion outside his Elrod Place Court home on July 2, 2009, that caused him to lose part of his arm. He suffered severe burns on his chest and will need skin graphs. The doctors still aren't sure if they'll be able to save his right leg. The blast also severely damaged his left leg. – Investigators said, a family friend (22) lit a bundle of as many as 500 sparklers together; the teenager realized the situation was dangerous and was trying to extinguish the bundle of sparklers when it exploded. The 22-year-old was arrested on July 8, 2009. He is charged with manufacturing an incendiary device.

Source:

"Piedmont boy loses hand, possibly legs after fireworks accident", 3.7.2009, http://www.wspa.com/spa/news/local/article/piedmont_boy_looses_hand_possibly_legs_after_fireworks_accident/22625/ 

"Piedmont teen loses hand, could lose legs from fireworks accident", 5.7.2009, http://www.independentmail.com/news/2009/jul/05/piedmont-teen-loses-hand-could-lose-legs-fireworks/ 

"Man arrested after firework incident injures teen", 5.7.2009, http://www.wyff4.com/news/19959359/detail.html

"Man charged after fireworks blast injures Teen. Ryan Stancell in coma, lost hand, part of leg", 9.7.2009, http://www.wyff4.com/news/20000591/detail.html

Pittsburgh. Officials are investigating after a firecracker went through a womans bedroom window on Moravian Way on the North Side and ended up in her home. 2.7.2009

Source: "Resident upset after firecracker ends up in home", 3.7.2009, http://kdka.com/local/firecracker.North.Side.2.1070106.html

Richmond, CA. A 13-year-old boy playing with firecrackers in the family garage in the 100 block of Second Street likely ignited a blaze shortly after noon that gutted a duplex and burned the roof of a neighboring house. The American Red Cross found emergency shelter for six adults and four children. 2.7.2009

Source:

"Richmond fire displaces 10", 2.7.2009, http://www.mercurynews.com/crime/ci_12742800?nclick_check=1 

"13-year-old starts fire with firecrackers", 2.7.2009, http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local/east_bay&id=6896752

Xenia, Ohio. A car was intentionally set on fire. Police said they believe a firecracker may be the cause of the fire.

Source: "Police: Vandals burn car with firecrackers", 2.7.2009, http://www.whiotv.com/news/19930226/detail.html

Altamonte Springs. A woman suffered burns as a result of fireworks from the Red, Hot & Boom fireworks show at Crane's Roost, landed in the crowd. 3.7.2009

Source:

"Woman injured when Red, Hot & Boom fireworks land in crowd", 3.7.2009, http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/orl-bk-fireworks-injuries-070309,0,6444564.story 

"Woman suffers minor burns at fireworks show", 4.7.2009, http://wdbo.com/localnews/2009/07/woman-suffers-minor-burns-at-f.html

Capital Hill. Fire investigators have determined that a bottle rocket caused a grass fire that destroyed a garage. 3.7.2009

Source: "Bottle rocket caused Capital Hill fire that destroyed garage", 7.7.2009, http://www.masoncountydailynews.com/News/NewsArticle/tabid/1897/smid/3468/ArticleID/7721/reftab/1632/t/BOTTLE-ROCKET-CAUSED-CAPITAL-HILL-FIRE-THAT-DESTROYED-GARAGE/Default.aspx

Fort Rucker. Five people attending Freedom Fest received minor injuries after fireworks malfunctioned during the grand finale and shot off across the street into a parking lot. 3.7.2009

Source:

"Minor injuries reported at Freedom Fest", 3.7.2009, http://www.dothaneagle.com/dea/news/local/article/minor_injuries_reported_at_freedom_fest/81436/ 

"Five injuries from event still under investigation", 6.7.2009, http://www.dothaneagle.com/dea/news/local/article/five_injuries_from_event_still_under_investigation/81876/

Greene County. Firefighters and deputies disassembled an improvised explosive  device found after a resident living along South Farm Road 203 reported seeing people in a vehicle throwing an object before fleeing. An investigation showed the device was made from modified fireworks. 3.7.2009

Source: "Explosive devices found", 8.7.2009, http://www.news-leader.com/article/20090708/NEWS01/907080410/1007/NEWS01/Explosive-devices-found

Harrah, Wash. A fire caused $800,000 damage at Caribou Ranches, in the 6500 block of Progressive Road shortly before 7 p.m. The fire engulfed about 250 tons of hay, a former hop kiln building and another building that had been converted into apartments for workers. Nearly 20 residents were displaced by the fire. - Three children between the ages of 5 and 11 were in the building at the time. They were trying to reignite fireworks that had not discharged earlier. The children are too young to face charges. 3.7.2009

Source: "Kids too young to charge in Harrah blaze", 6.7.2009, http://www.yakima-herald.com/stories/2009/07/06/kids-too-youngto-charge-in-harrah-blaze

Kansas City, Kan. A man (37) at a home at 5500 N. 123^rd St. suffered severe facial injuries when fireworks exploded in his face. 3.7.2009

Source:

"Man hurt when firework explodes in face", 4.7.2009, http://www.kmbc.com/news/19949632/detail.html

"Fireworks accidents, suspected Craigslist scammer in jail", 4.7.2009, http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/story/1306199.html

"37-year-old injured in firework incident", 6.7.2009, http://www.kansascitykansan.com/news/x488826258/37-year-old-injured-in-firework-incident

Nokomis. A man (56) was lighting off fireworks at his home at 1830 Mackintosh Blvd. In the Mission Valley neighborhood, when one of the explosives went off in his hand. He may lose his left hand. 3.7.2009

Source: "Blast may cost man his hand", 6.7.2009, http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20090706/ARTICLE/907069997/2055/NEWS?Title=Blast-may-cost-man-his-hand

Salinas. A bottle rocket was found on the roof of an apartment building at 19 Gardenia Drive, which caught fire. 3.7.2009

Source: "Fireworks problems fizzle in Monterey, Seaside", 7.7.2009, http://www.montereyherald.com/local/ci_12767171?nclick_check=1

Fort Worth. From July 3 through July 5, 2009, fire officials received 958 reports of fireworks violations.

Source: "Fireworks violations falling in Fort Worth", 7.7.2009, http://www.star-telegram.com/metro_news/story/1472002.html

Benton County. A fire, reported at Olympia Street and County Route 397, that burned 50 acres likely started from fireworks. 4.7.2009

Source: "Fireworks likely cause of fire in Benton County", 5.7.2009, http://www.kvewtv.com/news/?sect_rank=1&section_id=18&story_id=18526

Bethlehem. A man (52), irritated at his neighbors' Fourth of July fireworks display in the 1500 block of Carlisle Street, threatened them with his shotgun. – The man faces charges of reckless endangerment, making terroristic threats, simple assault and disorderly conduct. 4.7.2009

Source: "Police: Man threatened neighbors over fireworks", 7.7.2009, http://www.mcall.com/news/local/police/all-4shotgun.6952081jul07,0,1378702.story

Bolton, Mass. Two members of the fireworks crew suffered minor injuries when a firework they were lighting at Bolton's town display at Nashoba Regional High School, 12 Green St., exploded in its tube. A worker manually lit the fuse, but a lift charge failed to shoot the shell out of its 4-inch tube and into the sky. 4.7.2009

Source:

"Fireworks crew members hurt in Bolton", 5.7.2009, http://www.telegram.com/article/20090705/NEWS/907059990/1116 

"Two workers injured in Bolton fireworks accident", 5.7.2009, http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/07/05/two_workers_injured_in_bolton_fireworks_accident/

Buford. Fireworks are to blame for a house fire early morning. The homeowner was discharging fireworks in the culdesac of Chandler Grove Drive earlier in the evening and placed the remains in a bag and set them outside near the house. The hot materials sparked a fire just after midnight that spread to an exterior wall causing minor damage to the home. 4.7.2009

Source: "Discarded fireworks to blame for Buford house fire", 4.7.2009, http://www.accessnorthga.com/detail.php?n=221575

City of Tehachapi. The annual 4^th of July fireworks display of the City ignited a small grass fire that lit up local airport runways and briefly delayed traffic. 4.7.2009

Source: "Fireworks display ignites grass fire on Tehachapi Airport runways", 4.7.2009, http://www.tehachapinews.com/home/ViewPost/105430

Collier County. Two brothers and their cousin (33, 32, 34) were shooting off fireworks in their mother's driveway, when one of them threw fireworks at two men passing by on a golf cart. The three and the victims got into an argument that turned physical. - The brothers and their cousin were arrested. All three were charged with battery and battery on a person 65 years or older. 4.7.2009

Source:

"Three men jailed for fight over fireworks", 6.7.2009, http://www.winknews.com/news/local/50037587.html 

"3 brothers accused of throwing fireworks at people in golf cart", 6.7.2009, http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2009/jul/06/3-brothers-accused-throwing-fireworks-people-golf-/

"Brothers accused of throwing fireworks at neighbors", 6.7.2009, http://www.nbc-2.com/articles/readarticle.asp?articleid=31824&z=3

Covington. Four homes caught fire when fireworks that were lit on 163^rd Avenue Southeast ignited juniper bushes. The flames spread from one nearby house to three others. – The person responsible for starting the fire was cited by the police for discharging legal fireworks in a dangerous manner. 4.7.2009

Source:

"Fireworks-spawned fires damage 7 W. Wash. Houses", 5.7.2009, http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009421199_apwafireworksfires1stldwritethru.html 

"Saturday fireworks sparked fire that spread to four houses", 5.7.2009, http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009421006_webfireworksfire05m.html 

"Fireworks set off blazes, damaging nine area homes", 6.7.2009, http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009421849_fireworksfires06m.html

Dibble, Okla. July 4, 2009, Richard Hines had apparently been drinking when he lit the fuse of an artillery shell aerial firework and held the reloadable fibreglass launching tube above his head. Instead of shooting into the air, the shell exploded and shot out the bottom of the fiberglass tube. The device shot Hines in the head and severely injured his hands. He collapsed when it exploded and was unresponsive.

Nobody else was injured in the explosion, but a couple of people, standing fairly close to him, were knocked backward from the concussion of the blast.

The 26-year-old was taken to hospital where he died about 7:35 p.m. on July 5, 2009.

Source:

Dibble man killed in freak fireworks explosion, 7.7.2009, http://www.newsok.com/dibble-man-killed-in-freak-fireworks-explosion/article/3383523?custom_click=masthead_topten

Dibble man dies in injury suffered in fireworks explosion, 8.7.2009, http://www.kfsm.com/news/sns-ap-ok--fireworksfatality,0,5156875.story 

Man dies from fireworks injury, 8.7.2009, http://www.newson6.com/Global/story.asp?S=10660912 

Dibble man dies after fireworks accident, 9.7.2009, http://www.normantranscript.com/localnews/local_story_190031534

Everett, Wash. A couple out for a walk was injured when someone from a driving car at the intersection of E. Gibson Road and 124 Street SW threw a firework or small explosive at them. The man suffered a serious leg injury; his wife suffered damage to her arms and legs. 4.7.2009

Source:

"Pipe bomb hurled at Everett couple", 6.7.2009, http://www.king5.com/topstories/stories/NW_070609WAB-everett-pipe-bomb-KC.16d16b53.html 

"2 injured by explosive in Everett on Fourth", 6.7.2009, http://www.enterprisenewspapers.com/article/20090706/NEWS01/707069776/0/ETPZONELT

Everett. Three people watching television escaped after fireworks ignited a blaze at a house east of Everett. Damage was estimated at $150,000. 4.7.2009

Source:

"Fireworks-spawned fires damage 7 W. Wash. Houses", 5.7.2009, http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009421199_apwafireworksfires1stldwritethru.html 

"Fireworks set off blazes, damaging nine area homes", 6.7.2009, http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009421849_fireworksfires06m.html

Farmington, Wis. A 12-year-old boy was in critical condition after suffering a head injury when he was hit by one of the fireworks being discharged at a home at W3382 Sunshine Road during a Fourth of July party. 4.7.2009

Source:

"Wisconsin boy suffers head injury from fireworks", 5.7.2009, http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-mn-fireworksinjury-w,0,3243756.story 

"Child is hurt from fireworks", 6.7.2009, http://www.wdtimes.com/articles/2009/07/06/news/news3.txt

Flower Mound, Texas. The Fire Department responded to a fire on the 3200 block of Oak Meadow Drive that officials believe was started by the use of fireworks in the area. Remnants of fireworks were found near the house. 4.7.2009

Source: "Fireworks believed to have started house fire", 7.7.2009, http://www.courier-gazette.com/articles/2009/07/07/flower_mound_leader/news/53.txt

Graham County. A fire was started by people illegally setting off fireworks. This brush fire burned an area near the closed Family Dollar on Highway 191, burning almost all the way to the highway. 4.7.2009

Source: "Illegal fireworks cause fire", 8.7.2009, http://www.eacourier.com/articles/2009/07/08/news/doc4a53f6c09d5c5049759813.txt

Hartford. Police and firefighters responded to a report that a 2-year-old's hand was burned by fireworks on Sanford Street. 4.7.2009

Source: "Boy, 6, burned by fireworks in Hartford", 5.7.2009, http://www.courant.com/community/hartford/hc-copdigbrf0705.art0jul05,0,2787259.story

Hartford, Conn. A 6-year-old boy suffered 2^nd- and 3^rd-degree burns over 15 percent of his body when a sparkler, he was waving around, ignited his clothing at an apartment complex at 397 Broadview Terrace. 4.7.2009

Source:

"Boy, 6, burned by fireworks in Hartford", 5.7.2009, http://www.courant.com/community/hartford/hc-copdigbrf0705.art0jul05,0,2787259.story 

"6-year-old burned by holiday sparkler", 5.7.2009, http://www.courant.com/news/local/statewire/hc-ap-ct-fireworksinjuryjul05,0,3096833.story 

"Child suffers burns from sparkler", 5.7.2009, http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/news_wtnh_child_suffers_burns_from_sparkler_200907051013

Henderson County, Ky. A fire that gutted a home at 1015 S. Forest Oak about 11.15 p.m. was caused by improperly discarded fireworks, officials said.

Around 10.30 p.m., the family had finished their fireworks show and placed the remnants of the fireworks in a plastic garbage bag in the garage. The bag caught fire and spread quickly. The home was a total loss. 4.7.2009

Source:

"Blaze blamed on fireworks", 5.7.2009, http://www.courierpress.com/news/2009/jul/05/blaze-blamed-on-fireworks/ 

"Fireworks cause Henderson house fire", 6.7.2009, http://tristatehomepage.com/content/fulltext/?cid=80082

Hermitage, Mercer County. A 45-year-old man suffered severe burns in an explosion and fire that ensued when he was making a firework with gunpowder in the basement of his home at 4835 Anne Lane. The man is in critical condition. The explosion sparked a fire in the house; the damage was severe. 4.7.2009

Source:

"Fireworks injure Mercer County man", 5.7.2009, http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09186/982004-100.stm 

"Hermitage man injured in firework explosion", 5.7.2009, http://www.wfmj.com/Global/story.asp?S=10645457

"Mercer County fireworks accident victim identified", 5.7.2009, http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09186/982004-100.stm 

"Update: Powder blast hurts local man", 6.7.2009, http://www.sharonherald.com/local/local_story_186231527.html 

"Homemade fireworks accident in Hermitage", 6.7.2009, http://www.wytv.com/content/news/local/story/Homemade-Fireworks-Accident-in-Hermitage/20tEF-8eSUOm47ud9_Ww1g.cspx

Hermosa Beach. A man (25) was arrested when he allegedly tossed fireworks under a Sheriff's Department mounted posse working in Hermosa Beach on July 4, 2009.

The 25-year-old was arrested on suspicion of harming, interfering with or obstructing a peace officer's horse or dog, and possession of an explosive device.

The man allegedly threw fireworks under the horses in an attempt to spook them as four deputies and two Hermosa Beach officers patrolled the Strand.

Source: "Firecracker prank in Hermosa Beach was no joke", 6.7.2009, http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/ci_12764143

Jennings. A man is arrested and accused of tossing a large, lit firework into the occupied area of Tina's Bar on July 4, 2009. The firework detonated among patrons and ignited a mop. Two patrons were said to have sustained minor injuries as a result of the detonation and fire. 4.7.2009

Source:

"Jennings man arrested for fireworks-related aggravated arson", 9.7.2009, http://www.katc.com/Global/story.asp?S=10665832 

"Teen may face terrorism charges for holiday pranks", 10.7.2009, http://www.jenningsdailynews.net/news.php?id=3534

Kansas City, Kan. Fireworks were responsible for a blaze in a duplex at 3306 N. 84^th Terrace. It was extinguished once firefighters arrived shortly after 2.30 p.m. 4.7.2009

Source: "Fireworks accidents, suspected Craigslist scammer in jail", 4.7.2009, http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/story/1306199.html

Lake James. As part of a fireworks show, a dock was floated out to the entrance of the business and the fireworks were launched from the dock.

A hot ember from a discharged fireworks round fell into a bucket that held other fireworks and set off a chain reaction. About half of the fireworks in the bucket went off. The wayward fireworks hit several boats, bounced off several different boat docks and a yard of a home at the lake.

No bystanders were injured, but one person involved with the fireworks display was taken to hospital and treated for burns and another person was treated at the scene. 4.7.2009

Source: "Two injured in Lake James fireworks explosion", 7.7.2009  http://www2.morganton.com/content/2009/jul/06/two-injured-lake-james-fireworks-explosion/news-local/

Lander, Wyo. Fireworks were the cause of a fire that burned a family's trailer home in the trailer park on North Side Drive. The fireworks came in through a back bedroom window that was open and did not have a screen. No one was in the trailer at the time. 4.7.2009

Source: "Fireworks burn down trailer home", 9.7.2009, http://www.ktakradio.com/news/2009/jul/09/fireworks-burn-down-trailer-home/

Long Beach Township. A homeowner saw falling fireworks ignite dune grass at the oceanfront of his residence and responded with a garden hose to extinguish the fire. An area of dune grass about 15 feet by 20 feet was burned. 4.7.2009

Source: "Long Beach Twp. Police report seizing fireworks after dune fire", 7.7.2009, http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/press/ocean/article_55d3f1d3-30af-56ad-94ef-8090748b64d8.html

Mapleton. Four people received minor injuries when a firework malfunctioned during the grand finale of the Lake Camelot fireworks show. A "cake" firework that was supposed to shoot into the air instead exploded on the ground. A few pieces of the device went into a section of the crowd about 300 feet away. 4.7.2009

Source: "Firework misfires, sending pieces into crowd; 4 hurt", 6.7.2009, http://www.pjstar.com/news_police/x1525218017/Firework-misfires-sending-pieces-into-crowd-4-hurt

Monterey County. A small trash fire at Laguna Grande Park was started by discarded safe and sane fireworks. 4.7.2009

Source: "Fireworks problems fizzle in Monterey, Seaside", 7.7.2009, http://www.montereyherald.com/local/ci_12767171?nclick_check=1

New Port Richey. A man (22) tried to light a type of mortar firework. When it didn't work, he tried a second time to light the 9-inch long, 3-foot wide piece of the firework. It blew up in his face. He suffered cuts on his bottom lip, and his eyes and face were swollen. 4.7.2009

Source: "New Port Richey explosion damages former Aloha Utilities pump house", 7.7.2009, http://www.tampabay.com/news/briefs/article1016245.ece

Saturday, July 4, 2009, Ocracoke Island in Hyde County, N.C.

A truck carrying fireworks for a July Fourth holiday display exploded at approximately 9 a.m. in the parking lot of the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) campus overlooking Silver Lake harbor, near the island's South Ferry Terminal.

One worker died at the scene, and a second died about six hours after the blast at the University of North Carolina's Jaycee Burn Center at Chapel Hill after receiving burns to more than 95 percent of his body. One other victim remained with burns to 20 percent of his body at the Burn Center and two were taken by helicopter to Pitt County Memorial Hospital in Greenville, N.C., where one died later Saturday, July 4. The second worker taken to Greenville died Sunday, July 5.

All of the blast's victims, four men and a woman, were members of the crew working on Ocracoke Island's annual Independence Day fireworks show, which was cancelled.

Two explosions shook homes and businesses and could be heard for miles.

The explosion peeled the top off the 18-wheeler truck, sparked several small brush fires and sent debris flying into the nearby water.

Even hours after the explosion you could still smell fireworks in the air.

A witness said she and her fiancé saw one of the crew members blown back toward the shoreline, a firework blew through another one of the crew member's cheeks.

Not all of the fireworks exploded, and officials closed the terminal until they could secure the remaining pyrotechnics.

A handful of firefighters had just finished hosing down the area – a routine precaution taken to prevent stray fires during the display – and were taking a break away from the area when the truck suddenly exploded. Initially, they had to duck behind fire trucks as the fireworks shot across the area. As quickly as possible, the firefighters started putting out numerous brush fires and helped in rescue efforts for the victims.

Two volunteer firefighters suffered inhalation injuries and exhaustion.

The explosion occurred near the south ferry dock, which serves vessels travelling to Swan Quarter and Cedar Island, and that ferry service was shut down for most of the day for clean up operations.

The lone survivor of the explosion, Martez Holland (27), may have avoided death by a coincidence of location. He was at the back of the truck unloading fireworks; the others were farther inside. Martez Holland suffered third degree burns on his arms and hands; he is expected to recover but will need extensive therapy.

Terry Holland (50), Mark Curtis Hill (21), Lisa Simmons (42) and Charles Kirkland Junior (49) were killed in the blast. All worked for South Carolina-based Melrose South Pyrotechnics.

The Anchorage Marina dock master says from his vantage point 200 yards away, it looked like 40 minutes worth of fireworks went off in four seconds.

For the 22-minute show planned in Ocracoke, Julie L. Heckman, executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association, said, there could have been 5,000 to 10,000 pounds of explosives in the truck.

The explosion was accidental, investigators determined late Saturday, July 4, 2009.

Source:

"Fireworks truck explodes on Ocracoke, one dead", 4.7.2009, http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/5502082/ 

"Fireworks explosion on Ocracoke Island. Fatalities confirmed", 4.7.2009, http://www.wavy.com/dpp/mobile/northcarolina_wavy_fireworksexplosion_20090704 

"Fireworks explosion on NC island injures several", 4.7.2009, http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jI7Rqs9lVPLaElrwZUNSWAgSEn7AD997N7MG1 

"Deadly fireworks explosion on Ocracoke Island", 4.7.2009, http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=6898716 

"Deadly fireworks explosion dampens holiday", 4.7.2009, http://www.examiner.com/x-15540-New-Orleans-Top-News-Examiner~y2009m7d4-DEADLY-FIREWORK-EXPLOSION-DAMPENS-HOLIDAY 

"Fireworks explosion on remote N.C. island kills 2, hurts 3", 5.7.2009, http://www.philly.com/inquirer/world_us/20090705_Fireworks_explosion_on_remote_N_C__island_kills_2__hurts_3.html 

"Fireworks truck explodes on Ocracoke; 3 dead, 2 hurt", 5.7.2009, http://hamptonroads.com/2009/07/one-killed-four-injured-fireworks-truck-explosion-ocracoke-island-nc

"Death toll rises in fireworks blast", 5.7.2009, http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/06/us/06fireworks.html?_r=1&ref=us

"Three now dead, two injured after fireworks truck explosion", 5.7.2009, http://www.news14.com/content/local_news/coastal/611532/three-dead-after-fireworks-truck-explosion/Default.aspx

"Deaths shatter Ocracoke Island. Fireworks blast kills 3, injures 2", 5.7.2009, http://www.newsobserver.com/110/story/1595577.html 

"Island mourns those lost in fireworks explosion" (with pictures and video), 5.7.2009, http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/5506069/ 

"Lone explosion survivor recovering from burns", 7.7.2009, http://www.news14.com/content/local_news/triangle/611652/lone-explosion-survivor-recovering-from-burns/Default.aspx

"Fireworks explosion victim speaks out", 7.7.2009, http://www.wavy.com/dpp/news/nc_local_ap_sc_fireworks_explosion_20090707 

"N.C. fireworks crews don't need to prove qualifications", 8.7.2009, http://hamptonroads.com/2009/07/explosion-reveals-gaps-regulation-fireworks-crews

"Fireworks survivor faces long recovery", 8.7.2009, http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/1599150.html 

"Site of fatal fireworks explosion had not been inspected", 11.7.2009, http://hamptonroads.com/2009/07/site-fatal-fireworks-explosion-had-not-been-inspected

"Deadly July Fourth blast continues to rattle Ocracoke", 12.7.2009, http://hamptonroads.com/2009/07/deadly-july-fourth-blast-continues-rattle-ocracoke

Omaha. A fire started just before midnight when a family in the 1200 block of Iowa Street had gathered spent fireworks into a trash can. The fire was contained inside the trash can but did scorch part of the siding on the home's garage. Damage: $600. 4.7.2009

Source: "Woman hurt by homemade firework", 6.7.2009, http://www.fremonttribune.com/articles/2009/07/06/news/local/doc4a521cc778936028290140.txt

Orlando, Fla. Just before the grand finale at the Fourth of July celebration in Downtown Orlando, one of the larger fireworks shot towards a crowd and injured a 4-year-old girl and her father; they suffered burns.

Source: "Child injured during fireworks display", 4.7.2009, http://www.wftv.com/news/19952846/detail.html

Quakertown, Pennsylvania. David Allen Walker, a 19-year-old employee of the fireworks company staging Quakertown's July Fourth celebration at the Memorial Park, was killed by an explosion during the event's grand finale shortly after 9.45 p.m. The teen was struck in the head and chest by debris, after a 8-inch mortar exploded while still on the ground, setting off nearby explosives. Authorities immediately stopped the show and evacuated part of Memorial Park at 4^th and Mill Streets.  Hours after the accident, streets were still blocked off. - The coroner says the preliminary cause of death was neck trauma. 4.7.2009

Source:

"Worker killed by explosion during Quakertown's fireworks celebration", 5.7.2009, http://www.mcall.com/news/local/breaking/all-cnfireworks,0,2311417.story 

"Man killed working fireworks display in Quakertown", 5.7.2009, http://www.kyw1060.com/Man-Killed-Working-Fireworks-Display-in-Quakertown/4736871 

"Pa. Man killed in fireworks accident", 5.7.2009, http://www.philly.com/philly/hp/news_update/20090705_ap_pamankilledinfireworksaccident.html 

"Man dies in fireworks accident", 6.7.2009, http://www.mcall.com/news/local/quakertown/all-a7_5fireworks.6951328jul06,0,2193897.story 

"Zambelli fireworks employee killed during show", 6.7.2009, http://www.wkbn.com/content/news/local/story/Zambelli-Fireworks-Employee-Killed-During-Show/jiI7PkZ-RUifyeu4IbS0pw.cspx 

"Coroner: Fireworks victim struck in the neck" (with video), 6.7.2009, http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/local&id=6901132

Rockville, Md. On July 4, 2009, a 2-month-old girl had been struck by fireworks that had malfunctioned and flew into the toddler's stroller at a private residence. The girl suffered small second- and third-degree burns on her back. - Authorities plan to charge the resident who allegedly hosted the illegal fireworks display. 4.7.2009

Source: "Toddler burned by fireworks on Fourth of July", 9.7.2009, http://www.news8.net/news/stories/0709/639032.html

Sacramento, CA. Around 1.45 p.m. four juveniles (security cameras) threw fireworks through a window at the John Bidwell Elementary School on the 1700 block of 65^th Avenue, causing minor damage. The remnants of fireworks were found in a kindergarten classroom. 4.7.2009

Source:

"Lit fireworks thrown into kindergarten classroom", 4.7.2009, http://cbs13.com/local/sacramento.fireworks.thrown.2.1072070.html 

"Fireworks cause damage at Bidwell Elementary School", 5.7.2009, http://www.sacbee.com/news/story/2001103.html 

"Fireworks thrown into Sacramento classroom cause minor damage", 5.7.2009, http://www.news10.net/news/story.aspx?storyid=62589&catid=2

Sanford, N.C. A father was lighting fireworks with friends outside his home. Several explosions had gone off without any problem until one tipped on its side and went straight to his daughter. It stuck to the 5-year-old girl's shirt and melted through her shirt. The girl suffered burns on her arms and chest. 4.7.2009

Source: "Sanford girl burned by fireworks", 7.7.2009, http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/5524824/

Schell City, MO. Fire Chief Dale Haddix (70) died of a heart attack while battling a blaze that authorities say was the result of improper use of fireworks.

A teenager (18) is charged with two counts of second-degree arson that caused injury or death for a fire that started in an empty house and spread to a storage building near the city's Methodist church. 4.7.2009

Source:

"Teen charged with arson, firefighter dies from heart attack", 7.7.2009, http://ozarksfirst.com/content/fulltext/?cid=164911 

"Fire Chief killed fighting a fire", 7.7.2009, http://www.ktts.com/tabid/1666/xmid/34106/Default.aspx 

"Man is charged for fatal fire tied to fireworks, 7.7.2009, http://www.ky3.com/news/local/50138467.html

Shadybrook. A dispute over fireworks escalated to gunfire late on the evening, leaving two people (18, 19) wounded – one seriously. 4.7.2009

Source: "Fight over fireworks ends with two men shot", 7.7.2009, http://www.kansas.com/news/story/882060.html

Shreveport, LA. Police are blaming fireworks for starting a fire at the Villa Marquis Apartments in the 3700 block of Valley View Drive. 4.7.2009

Source: "Fourth of July fireworks spark blaze", 6.7.2009, http://www.ksla.com/Global/story.asp?S=10648310&nav=menu50_2

Snohomish County, Wash. Firefighters responded to 37 different reports of fireworks-related emergencies, which yielded more than $1 million in damages. 4.7.2009

Source: "37 fireworks-related emergencies reported in Snohomish County", 6.7.2009, http://www.komonews.com/news/local/50087122.html

South Haven. A home at 719 Long Run Road caught fire. Police evacuated the two-story home. The Fire Department removed part of a downstairs wall to put out the flames, started by fireworks that landed outside the house. 4.7.2009

Source: "South Haven house's wall burnt by fireworks", 7.7.2009, http://www.post-trib.com/news/porter/1654094,pcops0707.article

St. Paul, Minn. A 49-year-old man was so enraged by the amateur fireworks in his neighborhood he took the problem into his own hands and allegedly shot one of the teens, who were setting off fireworks in the street near E. Belvidere street and Oakdale Avenue, in the neck. – Police jailed the man on suspicion of aggravated assault in the shooting. Officials believe he was so mad about the fireworks in his neighborhood that he shot the boy to make it all stop. The 14-year-old teen is in critical but stable condition. 4.7.2009

Source:

"Man jailed after boy shot in neck during fireworks", 5.7.2009, http://www.startribune.com/local/49985577.html 

"Enraged man allegedly shoots teen in neck for shooting off amateur fireworks", 6.7.2009, http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2009/07/enraged_man_sho.php

"Teen shot by man upset over fireworks upgraded to serious condition", 6.7.2009, http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=818942&catid=2 

"Man upset over fireworks shoots teen", 6.7.2009, http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=818896&catid=14 

"St. Paul man charged for shooting teen over fireworks", 10.7.2009, http://kstp.com/news/stories/S1022609.shtml?cat=206

Stuart, FL. Children playing with fireworks caused the fire that did an estimated $80,000 damage to The Crossings at Indian Run Apartments at 3740 S.E. Gatehouse Circle. – The two children have not been arrested but have been out into a program for juveniles who set fires. 4.7.2009

Source:

"Kids with fireworks blamed for fire at Stuart apartments", 6.7.2009, http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2009/jul/06/kids-fireworks-blamed-fire-stuart-apartments/ 

"Kids playing with fireworks cause $80,000 blaze", 7.7.2009, http://www.abcactionnews.com/news/state/story/Kids-playing-with-fireworks-cause-80-000-blaze/7QPHEAIG20KKu9l5W9CDFg.cspx

Sunnyslope. Firefighters believe four to five homes near the intersection of Easy and Schools streets were threatened by a firework-caused brush fire early morning. 4.7.2009

Source: "Two-acre fire threatens houses", 4.7.2009, http://wenatcheeworld.com/article/20090704/NEWS04/707049942/0/ARTS12?Two-acre-fire-threatens-houses

Terryville. Two men were injured when a fireworks shell exploded at a Fourth of July party on Judd Road. One victim, a 58-year-old man, was reportedly standing at least 25 feet away from the blast, but was injured in the chest. The other victim, a 38-year-old man, reportedly received burns and injuries on his legs. 4.7.2009

Source:

"Two injured in Plymouth fireworks explosion", 5.7.2009, http://www.courant.com/community/plymouth/hc-plymouth-fireworks-injuries-0705,0,4329166.story

"Two men injured with fireworks", 6.7.2009, http://www.bristolpress.com/articles/2009/07/06/news/doc4a5248fb30197872134561.txt

Tofte. A tube being used to ignite the fireworks exploded, setting off about 60 rounds midway through the Fourth of July display near Bluefin Bay Resort. No one was seriously injured. 4.7.2009

Source: "Tube fails, causing firework explosion in Tofte", http://kstp.com/news/stories/S1014449.shtml?cat=1

Tulsa. At the Tulsa River Parks fireworks display, one of the 6-inch shells exploded inside its launch tube, igniting a nearby trailer. No one was injured, but the show had to stop. - Due to budget cuts, the fire marshal did not inspect the display on the 4^th, as it has in years past. 4.7.2009

Source: "Fireworks fiasco raises questions", 6.7.2009, http://www.fox23.com/news/local/story/Fireworks-Fiasco-Raises-Questions/t3L2qiNNyEmMGncW-_6pBg.cspx

Van Wert. A man was injured while releasing fireworks during Van Wert's public fireworks exhibition. A 6-inch shell detonated inside the mortar tube and then exploded outwards. 4.7.2009

Source: *Man injured in Van Wert fireworks mishap*, 7.7.2009, http://www.limaohio.com/news/wert-39069-fireworks-steele.html

Victor, Teton County fire fighters were able to stop a fire from spreading to the main house from the attached garage on Pinacle Road off of 500 South. Someone placed a used firework in the garbage bin thinking it was cooled down. 4.7.2009

Source: "Victor home saved from fire", 7.7.2009, http://www.tetonvalleynews.net/articles/2009/07/08/news/doc4a53c9156bb3b547715622.txt

Weeki Wachee, Hernando County, Florida. A 2-year-old girl was watching fireworks with her family outside their home on Darlene Street when a homemade firework dropped from the sky onto her arm. She sustained a minor fracture of her forearm and second-degree burns. 4.7.2009

Source: "2-year-old hurt in fireworks mishap", 8.7.2009, http://www2.hernandotoday.com/content/2009/jul/08/ha-2-year-old-hurt-in-fireworks-mishap/news/

West Chester Township. A man (23) suffered a cut over his right eye after being struck with fireworks at his home in the 8500 block of Brookridge Drive. The device was ignited 20 feet away from him. 4.7.2009

Source: "Fireworks injured West Chester man", 7.7. 2009, http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090707/NEWS01/907080321/Fireworks+injured+West+Chester+man

West Palm Beach, Fla. A family on Wabasso Drive in Westgate was watching a neighbor's fireworks display when a launched object fell into their yard and struck the 2-year-old. The child suffered minor injuries. 4.7.2009

Source: "Fireworks injure Westgate 2-year-old", 6.7.2009, http://www.wpbf.com/news/19967964/detail.html

West Valley City. A fire destroyed a mobile-home on the 7000 West block of Arabian Way (2660 South). The blaze started in a car at the home, spread to the home and gutted it. Between $60,000 and $100,000 worth of damage, including the car. It also caused radiant damage to a nearby home. Two witnesses reported seeing something that looked like fireworks under the car and firefighters found a spinning "flower"-style firework where the blaze started.4.7.2009

Source:

"Fireworks may have started blaze that destroyed West Valley home", 4.7.2009, http://www.sltrib.com/ci_12753966 

"Suspicious West Valley fire", 4.7.2009, http://www.abc4.com/content/news/state/story/Suspicious-West-Valley-fire/9FvLDBXXnEmI0XYltu3onw.cspx

Winston-Salem. An unoccupied guesthouse on Chapel Street owned by the North Carolina School of the Arts suffered burn damage after fireworks sparked a fire on the home's front porch. The fire at 1848 Chapel St. was caused by three Roman candles that were found in the area and caused $36,500 in damage. 4.7.2009

Source:

"School of the arts guest house burned by errant fireworks", 6.7.2009, http://www.wxii12.com/news/19968533/detail.html

"Fireworks damage house on Chapel Street", 6.7.2009, http://www2.journalnow.com/content/2009/jul/06/fireworks-damage-house-chapel-street/

Yelm, Washington. Outside the Red Wind Casino near Yelm, families scattered after a malfunctioning firework landed in a car trunk loaded with pyrotechnics, but no one was injured as the fireworks went off. 4.7.2009

Source: "Fireworks-spawned fires damage 7 W. Wash. Houses", 5.7.2009, http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009421199_apwafireworksfires1stldwritethru.html

Birmingham. The Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital treated five patients over the Fourth of July weekend who were hurt in fireworks accidents. 4./5.7.2009

Source: "At least five people injured by fireworks in Birmingham", 5.7.2009, http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2009/07/at_least_five_people_injured_b.html

Denton/Denton County. Fireworks started 26 grassfires over the Fourth of July holiday in Denton and unincorporated Denton County, and caused minor fire damage to two vehicles and at least one house. 4./5.7.2009

Source: "Holiday sparked dozens of grassfires", 7.7.2009, http://www.dentonrc.com/sharedcontent/dws/drc/localnews/stories/DRC_Fireworks_0708.1be1a38c.html

Edinburgh, Ind. A family thought the rain had put out their fireworks. But the fireworks apparently kept burning in the family's trash can, and eventually set the garage on fire. Garage and cars were destroyed and much of the house was damaged by fire, smoke or water. 4./5.7.2009

Source: "Home destroyed by flood, then fire", 8.7.2009, http://www.krqe.com/dpp/news/us/midwest/nat_wish_edinburgh_home_destroyed_by_flood_then_fire_200907081224_2618864

Minot, N.D. Stage crews worked Monday to clean up after vandals set off fireworks Saturday and Sunday night at Minot State University's outdoor summer theatre. Authorities say the vandals smashed out a security light and a stage light and threw fireworks from high up in the stand onto the stage. 4./5.7.2009

Source:

"Latest North Dakota news, sports, business and entertainment", 8.7.2009, http://www.kxmb.com/News/Local/401933.asp 

"Vandals hit stage", 9.7.2009, http://www.minotdailynews.com/page/content.detail/id/529836.html?nav=5010

Albert City, Iowa. Two children (5, 7), playing with fire and fireworks, are responsible for starting a fire that nearly destroyed a home at 406 North Third Street. The house is a total loss. – Due to the ages of the two children, no criminal charges were filed. 5.7.2009

Source:

"Fireworks start blaze damaging Albert City, IA home", 7.7.2009, http://www.ktiv.com/Global/story.asp?S=10652650 

"Iowa house fire blamed on kids and fireworks", 7.7.2009, http://www.globegazette.com/articles/2009/07/07/news/latest/doc4a537eacd86d5781177890.txt

"AC home totalled in fire after ignited by fireworks", 9.7.2009, http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20342645&BRD=1304&PAG=461&dept_id=180485&rfi=6

Columbus. A man from the Columbus suburb of Whitehall remains hospitalised from a fireworks device that ignited near his face and upper torso. 5.7.2009

Source: "6 hurt in Ohio by holiday fireworks", 7.7.2009, http://www.news-herald.com/articles/2009/07/07/news/doc4a53922b1baea839821448.txt

Fremont, Nebraska.  In the afternoon, Ioma Sukstorf (80) was sitting on her porch in the 1700 block of Ridge Road when a neighbor lit, about 80 feet from the porch where she was sitting, a make-shift firework – gunpowder packed in  a metal pipe with a metal ball on top – and the metal pipe broke apart in the explosion. The woman was hit in the jaw by a piece of the pipe. 5.7.2009

Source:

"Woman hurt by homemade firework", 6.7.2009, http://www.fremonttribune.com/articles/2009/07/06/news/local/doc4a521cc778936028290140.txt

"Woman struck in face after pipe bomb explosion", 6.7.2009, http://www.ketv.com/news/19968213/detail.html

"Tragedy rocks peaceful holiday", 7.7.2009, http://www.omaha.com/article/20090707/NEWS01/707089926/0/FRONTPAGE 

Inwood. Two men unleashed several bullets on a street shortly after midnight because they were angry about firecrackers being thrown at their feet. One of the approximately seven shots accidentally hit a 28-year-old man in the buttocks. 5.7.2009

Source: "Fireworks fight results in gunfire", 5.7.2009, http://www.longislandpress.com/2009/07/05/fireworks-fight-results-in-gunfire/

Lumberton. Fire investigators say fireworks are to blame for a grass fire off Highway 69 near Wheeler Road. 5.7.2009

Source: "Fireworks to blame for Lumberton grassfire", 6.7.2009, http://www.kfdm.com/news/grassfire-32687-investigators-looking.html

North Mankato. A fight broke out after a group of men were shooting bottle rockets at another group. That's when authorities say Alex Baumann (26) left the fight and returned with a handgun. Two shots were fired. Nobody was injured. Baumann was arrested and charged with second degree assault, reckless Discharge of a Firearm and Disorderly conduct. 5.7.2009

Marysville. A family is left without a home after fireworks set the roof of their house in the 5700 block of 66^th Street NE just before 2 p.m. ablaze. – Investigators determined that fireworks started the fire.

Source: "Fireworks blamed in Marysville house fire", 5.7.2009, http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20090705/NEWS01/707059904

Medford, Ore. Investigators say a grass fire that burned over 20 acres and shut down Interstate 5 along the Bear Creek Greenway near mile marker 26 for hours was sparked by a homemade bomb, meant to start fire. Fire inspectors found the device in bushes. 5.7.2009

Source: "Investigators: Bear Creek Greenway fire was likely arson", 7.7.2009, http://kdrv.com/news/local/133430

Milwaukie, Ore. Investigators believe a two-alarm fire that heavily damaged a family home at 1710 S.E. Oak Shore Lane was likely caused by someone else's fireworks. 5.7.2009

Source: "Fireworks likely cause of Milwaukie house fire", 6.7.2009, http://www.katu.com/news/local/50036447.html

Moses Lake, Wash. Fireworks are responsible for starting a fire, leading to the destruction of two homes, damaging a third and burning seven cars on Beale Avenue early in the morning. Three families were left homeless. - Investigators say they are fairly confident fireworks, which were set off in the middle of Beal Street, caused the fire. The people who live in the burnt homes are not believed to have set off the responsible firework. It was little Fourth of July fun that cost 11 people their homes. 5.7.2009

Source: 

"Fireworks burn homes, vehicles", 7.7.2009, http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/articles/2009/07/07/news/doc4a53d1609d904241751095.txt

"Fireworks may be behind devastating fire", 7.7.2009, http://www.kxly.com/Global/story.asp?S=10653232 

"Three homes, seven cars burn in one fire", 6.7.2009, http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/articles/2009/07/06/news/doc4a527f26118d4080315245.txt 

"Fire damages building near Moses Lake", 7.7.2009, http://www.columbiabasinherald.com/articles/2009/07/07/news/doc4a53d0eaa514c213058733.txt

Oak Grove. Fireworks may have caused a two-alarm fire at a house. 5.7.2009

Source: "Fire damages Oak Grove home", 6.7.2009, http://www.oregonlive.com/clackamascounty/index.ssf/2009/07/fire_damages_oak_grove_home.html

Oklahoma City. On July 5, 2009, fireworks may have caused a four-alarm fire that destroyed part of the Truman Elementary School at 1324 N Kelham Ave. in the afternoon. The building was completely gutted by the blaze. – On July 6, 2009, fire investigators arrested three people, in connection with that fire.

Source:

"Witness says blaze at former Oklahoma City school began with fireworks", 6.7.2009, http://www.newsok.com/witness-says-blaze-at-former-oklahoma-city-school-began-with-fireworks/article/3383211 

"Fireworks may have sparked fire at vacant school building", 6.7.2009, http://www.newson6.com/Global/story.asp?S=10646175 

"Oklahoma City investigators arrest three in fire at Truman Elementary School", 7.7.2009, http://newsok.com/three-arrested-in-school-fire/article/3383467

Reading. An employee (55) at a pizzeria at 853 Penn St. was arrested after he used a gun to threaten a customer who lit a firecracker in the restaurant. 5.7.2009

Source: "Reading police say pizzeria employee threatened customer who lit firecracker", 6.7.2009, http://www.readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=146968

Richland. Fireworks are likely to blame for a 20 acre fire that started around 10.30p.m. in South Richland.

Source: "20 acres burned in Richland", 5.7.2009, http://www.tri-cityherald.com/kennewick_pasco_richland/story/636613.html

Snohomish County. Roof fire in the 5100 block of 176^th St. SE. The fire is believed to have started from fireworks. 5.7.2009

Source: "Home destroyed by fire; likely caused by fireworks", 5.7.2009, http://www.snohomishtimes.com/snohomishNEWS.cfm?inc=story&newsID=660

Stillwater. Fireworks likely were the cause of a house fire. Legal and illegal fireworks were found in the vicinity of the house at 2209 Oak Ridge Road. "We believe fireworks ended up under the attached deck and started the deck on fire, then spread to the home," the Fire Chief said. Damage: $110,000. 5.7.2009

Source:

"Fireworks believed cause of house fire in Stillwater", 7.7.2009, http://www.twincities.com/ci_12766113?source=most_emailed 

"Fireworks blamed for Stillwater house fire", 7.7.2009, http://www.stillwatergazette.com/articles/2009/07/07/news/news420.txt

Tracy. 9.59 p.m.: Fireworks cracked the windows of a man's house on the 1300 block of Claremont Drive. The man told police that if they didn't respond, he'd "take matters into his own hands." 5.7.2009

Source: "Police log: Holiday weekend commotion", 6.7.2009, http://www.tracypress.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Police+log-+Holiday+weekend+commotion%20&id=2893499-Police+log-+Holiday+weekend+commotion&instance=home_news_lead_story

Tracy. 2:21 p.m.: People were throwing fireworks at cars passing by Denny's, 3718 N. Tracy Blvd. They were gone when police arrived at 3:46 p.m. 5.7.2009

Source: "Police log: Holiday weekend commotion", 6.7.2009, http://www.tracypress.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Police+log-+Holiday+weekend+commotion%20&id=2893499-Police+log-+Holiday+weekend+commotion&instance=home_news_lead_story

Vancouver, Clark County, Washington. 4 children (13, 13, 10, 7) were lighting multiple sparklers at a time to cause explosions. On one occasion it is estimated that 24 sparklers were dropped into a long neck glass bottle and one sparkler was left protruding from the top. Upon lighting the single sparkler, it fell into the bottle before the children could get away. It exploded, throwing shards of glass in all directions. A 7-year-old boy suffered multiple shrapnel injuries including one in his neck very close to his jugular vein and another 13-year-old boy sustained injuries in an explosion. 5.7.2009

Source:

"Deputies: Boys hurt when 'sparkler bomb' explodes", 6.7.2009, http://www.katu.com/news/local/50030937.html 

"Boys injured in fireworks explosion", 6.7.2009, http://www.columbian.com/article/20090706/NEWS02/707079988 

"2 boys hurt in Clark County fireworks explosion", 6.7.2009, http://www.seattlepi.com/local/6420ap_wa_fireworks_injuries.html?source=mypi 

"2 boys hurt in Clark County fireworks explosion", 6.7.2009, http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2009/jul/06/3-brothers-accused-throwing-fireworks-people-golf-/

Walnut Creek. A lawn in the 200 block of Via Monte was set on fire by fireworks. 5.7.2009

Source: "Walnut Creek police reports – Fireworks set lawn abaze", 29.7.2009, http://www.mercurynews.com/crime/ci_12937569?nclick_check=1

Worcester. A 11-month-old girl who was in a baby stroller was injured when someone set off fireworks after the city display at Cristoforo Colombo Park was over. The child suffered first and second degree burns. 5.7.2009

Source:

"Infant struck by fireworks is back home", 6.7.2009, http://www.telegram.com/article/20090706/NEWS/907069984/1116 

"11-month-old girl burned by fireworks back home", 7.7.2009, http://www.telegram.com/article/20090707/NEWS/907070322/1101 

"Baby badly burned from fireworks", 6.7.2009, http://www.wwlp.com/dpp/news/wwlp_news_Babybadlyburnedfromfireworks_200907062014

Champaig. TeTe's Playhouse, a home daycare at 1721 Henry St., caught fire when a 6-year-old child attending the daycare tried to light fireworks with a match. Total damage to the building was estimated at $8,000. 6.7.2009

Source: "Child trying to light fireworks blamed for fire", 6.7.2009, http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2009/07/06/child_trying_to_light_fireworks_blamed_for_fire

Dothan. The potential explosive device that led to the evacuation of at least one office building turned out to be a firework grenade. 6.7.2009

Source: "Reported explosive device turns out to be firecracker grenade", 6.7.2009, http://www.dothaneagle.com/dea/news/local/article/reported_explosive_device_turns_out_to_be_firecracker_grenade/81774/

Livonia. Fireworks thrown from a passing vehicle may have set fire to a home early morning, causing an estimated $20,000 damage. 6.7.2009

Source:

"Fireworks tossed from vehicle may have set Livonia house on fire", 7.7.2009, http://www.hometownlife.com/article/20090707/NEWS10/90707016 

"Fireworks tossed from vehicle may have ignited house fire", 9.7.2009, http://www.hometownlife.com/article/20090709/NEWS10/907090499

Naperville. About 9:43 p.m., firework or other explosive used to destroy mailbox outside home at 704 Burgess Hill Road. 6.7.2009

Source: "Police report: Fireworks damage mailbox", 8.7.2009, http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/news/1656021,Naperville-Police-blotter_na070809.article

Newark area. State Fire Marshal's investigators say an illegal fireworks landed on the roof of a vacant building in the 24 hundred block of Old County Road and sparked a fire that heavily damaged the building. 6.7.2009

Source: ""Fireworks touch off Newark-area blaze, 7.7. 2009, http://www.wdel.com/story.php?id=743897676161

Scituate. Small fire in the middle of the Scituate High School football field. About one square yard of the artificial-grass surface had burned. It appears that someone set off fireworks, which caused "a considerable amount of damage" to the artificial surface. 6.7.2009

Source: "Fireworks damage Scituate High field", 8.7.2009, http://www.patriotledger.com/news/x727289367/Fireworks-damage-Scituate-High-field

Tampa, Fla. Tampa Fire Marshals determined the fire of a house at 2503 E Lake Ave. just before 2 p.m. was started by fireworks that were being shot off across the street.

Fireworks are to blame for about $50,000 in damage to a house. 6.7.2009

Source:

"Fireworks start Tampa blaze", 5.7.2009, http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/fire/article1015927.ece 

"Fireworks spark Tampa house fire", 6.7.2009, http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/AP/story/1128928.html 

"Few Tampa Bay area fireworks accidents reported", 6.7.2009, http://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/article1015960.ece

Alton, Ill. Two summer school students are accused of setting off fireworks that sparked a fire in their Alton High School's laundry room, forcing an evacuation on July 7, 2009. - The prosecutors charged the two teens with felony criminal property damage to government-supported property and misdemeanor disorderly conduct.

Source:

"2 charged with firecracker prank at school", 8.7.2009, http://www.carmitimes.com/news/x631618115/Downstate-Illinois-news-briefs or http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-firecrackerprank-,0,4385381.story 

"Two juvenile students face criminal charges", 7.7.2009, http://www.thetelegraph.com/news/room-28801-fire-building.html

Corvallis. A blaze started by fireworks caused minor damage to a garage in the 3100 block of Northeast Powderhorn Place early morning. The cause of the fire appeared to be a fountain-style firework that had been ignited earlier and then placed on top of the trash container. 7.7.2009

Source: "Fireworks ignite garage", 7.7.2009, http://www.gazettetimes.com/articles/2009/07/09/news/community/5loc05_fireworks070809.txt

Ogden. Kids playing with fireworks may have been the reason that several families (17 residents) lost their homes at 2561 Orchard Avenue to a fire. Damages at $75,000. 7.7.2009

Source: "Blaze leaves residents homeless", 8.7.2009, http://www.standard.net/live/news/177893

Philipsburg. While cutting his grass on a riding lawn mower, a man ran over a fireworks mortar. He notified police that it detonated and caused damage to the front of his lawn mower. He continued cutting his grass and ran over another fireworks mortar. It too detonated and blew the grass catcher off the rear of his lawn mower. Troopers searched the yard and another mortar was found. 7.7.2009

Source:

"Philipsburg man's lawn mower damaged by fireworks mortars", 8.7.2009, http://www.gantdaily.com/news/43/ARTICLE/56370/2009-07-08.html

"Daily Police Log", 9.7.2009, http://www.theprogressnews.com/default.asp?read=18425

Salina. Two apartments in an east Salina complex sustained up to $37,000 in damage in a fire caused by fireworks. 7.7.2009

Source: "Fireworks fire causes thousands in damage to Salina apartments," 9.7.2009, http://www.salina.com/news/story/fireworks-fire-in-Salina-7809

Webb City, Mo. Fireworks were being blamed for a blaze late afternoon that ultimately ignited some bales of paper and damaged the exterior wall of a recycling business. 7.7.2009

Source: "Fireworks blamed for blaze; recycling business damaged", 7.7.2009, http://www.joplinglobe.com/local/local_story_188234533.html

Georgetown. A 14-year-old boy was riding his bicycle in the Academy and Glen Rd. area when he was shot with roman candles (fireworks) by two suspects about 14 to 15-years-old, about 25 metres away. The youth suffered superficial welts on his arm, shoulder and thights. His clothing was singed. 8.7.2009

Source: "Youth injured by roman candle, suspects sought", 9.7.2009, http://www.independentfreepress.com/news/article/72405

Polson. A family is homeless after losing its trailer and a shed on Seventh Street East to a fire. Fire officials are not positive what caused the blaze and are investigating, but they believe it was caused by fireworks. 8.7.2009

Source: "Fire destroys Polson home", 10.7.2009, http://www.kpax.com/Global/story.asp?S=10672901

Flathead County. 5:01 p.m. Individuals driving on the North Fork Road decided to toss fireworks out the vehicle window, causing the surrounding ground material to ignite. The guilty party could not be located. 9.7.2009

Source: "Flathead County, Sheriff's Reports. Blazing beer box and an unfortunate friend", 9.7.2009, http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/blazing_beer_box_and_an_unfortunate_friend/11649/

Massillon. Fire investigators said two boys tossed multiple firecrackers on and around the playground area at Whittier Elementary School and burned equipment. The boys, both 13, each face juvenile felony counts of arson and a juvenile misdemeanor for possession of fireworks. Damage: $7,600. 12.7.2009

Columbia Township. A 14-year-old boy's right hand was blown off when a homemade firework detonated in it. The boy had been playing with an 11-year-old boy at a residence at 01594^th St. in Van Buren County's Columbia Township. The 11-year-old was injured in the torso area from metal fragments that shot into the air when the firework detonated. 13.7.2009

Source:

"Homemade firework destroys hand of boy, 14, in Van Buren County", 13.7.2009, http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2009/07/a_14yearold_loses_his_hand_mon.html

"Firework destroys boy's hand", 14.7.2009, http://www.mlive.com/news/kzgazette/index.ssf?/base/news-34/124758302461630.xml&coll=

Jim Wells County. A 11-year-old boy playing with firecrackers is to blame for a brush fire near Jim Wells County. The fire started in a field on Chissom Road. The flames quickly spread, burning about two acres of grass, a large tool shed, a trailer and a propane tank that exploded. Total damage: about $60,000.

"Fire victims reach out to community for help", 15.7.2009, http://www.kristv.com/Global/story.asp?S=10725496&nav=Bsmh

Manteno, Ill. Fireworks may have caused a fire that resulted in extensive damage to the Manteno Church of God at 126 E. 1^st St. Fireworks ignited a tree near the church and then the building. 14.7.2009

Saginaw Township, Mich. A Michigan State Bomb Squad unit was called as a man (41) lit a three-inch mortar on his porch in retaliation after a neighbor asked him to turn down his music. The blast broke a window of an apartment on the second floor at Liberty Square Apartments, 295 N. Colony. 14.7.2009

Source:

"Neighbor lights illegal firework after dispute. Bomb squad called to Liberty Square Apartments", 14.7.2009, http://www.wnem.com/news/20048993/detail.html

"Bomb squad responds to Saginaw Township apartment mortar explosion: Resident arrested", 14.7.2009, http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2009/07/bomb_squad_responds_to_saginaw.html

"Update: Saginaw township man arraigned after police call bomb squad", 15.7.2009, http://www.mlive.com/news/saginaw/index.ssf/2009/07/update_saginaw_township_man_ar.html

Salt Lake County. Illegal fireworks sparked a field fire on the East Bench. Witnesses reported two men shot the fireworks from a trailhead above Wasatch Boulevard. The fireworks landed in dry grass, igniting it. 14.7.2009

Source: "Fireworks spark early-morning grass fire", 14.7.2009, http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=7162310

Auburn. Investigators are still searching for a group of juveniles who they believe started a 600-plus-acre forest fire. The fire started a few miles east of Auburn. The Mammoth Bar Fire shut down Foresthill Road for hours as more than 300 fire personnel worked to put out the blaze. Fireworks, according to the Cal Fire battalion chief, caused the July 16, 2009, fire. Investigators found bottle rockets and fire crackers in the water and on the shore. - Mammoth Bar Fire suppression costs totalled a little over $1 million. If the juveniles are found guilty of starting the blaze, they could potentially be responsible for the recovery costs.

Source: " 600-acre forest fire started by firework"s, 29.9.2009, http://auburnjournal.com/detail/130952.html?content_source=&category_id=&search_filter=&user_id=&event_mode=&event_ts_from=&event_ts_to=&list_type=&order_by=&order_sort=&content_class=1&sub_type=&town_id=

Bremerton in Kitsap County, Washington. A man (32) was hospitalised after severely injuring himself while making fireworks in his garage in the 100 block of Northeast Conifer Drive. He sustained severe trauma injury to his right hand, light burns, shrapnel injuries, and cuts to his torso and face. Police say the man was mishandling explosives. The explosion shook the neighborhood. Authorities found 6 to 7 pounds of precursor powders and 150 M-80 type devices in the garage. – Neighbors say they knew he made homemade fireworks but didn't know the danger. 16.7.2009

Source:

"Man severely injured while making fireworks", 16.7.2009, http://www.nwcn.com/topstories/stories/NW_071609WAB-bremerton-explosion-KC.4a395eda.html

"Man burned in garage explosion", 17.7.2009, http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009486189_garage17.html

"Central Kitsap man injured in explosion was making fireworks", 17.7.2009, http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2009/jul/17/man-injured-in-explosion-was-making-fireworks/

Boise. A fire burned near some apartment building. – Officials say this fire was sparked by fireworks. 19.7.2009 

Source: "Grassfire sparked by fireworks", 19.7.2009, http://www.2news.tv/news/local/51145657.html

Loudoun Sheriff's officials said Kyle A. Guthrie (19) who was arraigned November 18, 2009, in Loudoun Circuit Court, was riding with Dennis Ray Ross (19) in the bed of a GMC pick up truck on Donegal Drive in South Riding shortly before 1 a.m. July 19, 2009. Guthrie set off fireworks, forcing Ross to either jump or fall from the truck, authorities allege. Ross was taken to hospital and succumbed to his injuries July 25, 2009. Guthrie was charged with involuntary manslaughter.

Source:

"Man charged with involuntary manslaughter in fireworks-related death", 18.11.2009, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/18/AR2009111802577.html 

"Man charged with manslaughter for July incident", 18.11.2009, http://www.loudountimes.com/news/2009/nov/18/Manslaughter/

"Passenger charged with manslaughter for South riding death", 18.11.2009, http://www.leesburg2day.com/articles/2009/11/18/news/9983manslaughter111809.txt

Middleton. A juvenile who lives in the home in the 200 block of North Campbell Street threw smoldering fireworks into a pile of trash outside the home. The still hot fireworks sparked a blaze that torched one side of the home and its attic. 19.7.2009

Source:

"Fireworks culprit in house fire", 21.7.2009, http://www.kivitv.com/Global/story.asp?S=10761493

"Sunday house fire displaces Middleton family; fireworks investigated as possible cause", 20.7.2009, http://www.idahostatesman.com/westtreasure/story/839224.html

Rosemount. Police suspect kids playing with fireworks are to blame for an explosion that startled some residents in the 15600 block of Crystal Path but didn't hurt anyone around 2.15 a.m. on July 23, 2009. The police chief said it appears someone poured gasoline into a storm sewer there, then used fireworks to ignite it. The result was a loud explosion and possibly some flames shooting out of the sewer.

Source: "Gasoline+fireworks=BOOM!", 23.7.2009, http://www.rosemounttownpages.com/event/article/id/22569/

Syracuse, New York. Saturday night's fireworks after the Chiefs' game ignited a tree behind the center field fence outside Alliance Bank Stadium. It needed fire trucks and crews to put out the flames. 25.7.2009

Source: "Fireworks spark fire outside Alliance Bank Stadium", 25.7.2009, http://www.9wsyr.com/news/local/story/Fireworks-spark-fire-outside-Alliance-Bank-Stadium/HI2s163Vgkm_pLTdvtON5w.cspx

Rapides Parish, Louisiana. A boy (15) was burned after he and his friend made a bomb out of the left over fireworks by going over to a vacant home, putting all the leftover fireworks together anto a bottle and lit it. The bottle exploded injuring the boy. 28.7.2009

Source: "Rapides Parish teen hurt while playing with firecrackers", 29.7.2009, http://www.thetowntalk.com/article/20090729/NEWS01/90729012

Sacramento, Calif. On July 29, 2009, police have arrested David Hui-Baio Yang (19) in connection with the death of a cat killed with explosives, along 63^rd Street. Police say Yang tied up a cat with tape on July 28, 2009, trapped it with a construction cone on a street and then dropped a large firecracker, possibly an M-80, into the cone. The cat died in the blast. Yang was charged of malicious maiming of an animal.

Source:

"Teens killed cat with firework, police say", 29.7.2009, http://www.kcra.com/news/20211769/detail.html

"19-year-old accused of blowing up cat", 29.7.2009, http://www.kcra.com/news/20221545/detail.html

"Sacramento police say man blew up cat," 30.7.2009, http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/state&id=6940544

Lynnwood, Wash. Firefighters believe kids playing with fireworks started fires that burned two houses under construction near Lynnwood. 29.7.2009

Source: "2 homes under construction burn near Lynnwood", 30.7.2009, http://www.seattlepi.com/local/6420ap_wa_lynnwood_house_fires.html

Washington. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service says a U.S. Postal Service mailbox at the corner of 49th and Meade streets has exploded, causing evacuations and street closings. Inspectors found a professional-grade fireworks device inside the destroyed blue collection box. 13.8.2009

Source: "Mailbox explodes in northeast DC", 14.8.2009, http://www.examiner.com/a-2168574~Mailbox_explodes_in_northeast_DC.html

Philadelphia. Preliminary reports are that an M-80 blew up in a child's hand in the 3600 block of North 19^th Street in the Tioga Nicetown section of the city. The child allegedly got ahold of the explosive and put it up to a candle, leading to the blast. The 4-year-old suffered burns, lacerations, and possible broken fingers. 17.8.2009

Source: "Child, 4, hurt by exploding firecracker", 17.8.2009, http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/local&id=6969934

Northeast of Soledad. The Gloria Fire started in a vineyard owned by Constellation Wines U.S., officials said on August 31, 2009. Workers at the vineyard, located east of Highway 101 at Camphora Gloria Road, were setting off agricultural fireworks to scare off birds and did not report the fire, according to Cal Fire investigator.

Nearly 6,500 acres of grassland were destroyed in the blaze, which started on 27 August and was finally put out on 31 August 2009. 100 homes and 50 commercial properties had to be evacuated.

Source:

"Cal Fire: Vineyard workers who set off ag fireworks did not report blaze", 31.8.2009, http://www.thecalifornian.com/article/20090831/NEWS01/90831018 

"Wildfire in California vineyard could have been caused by 'bird-bomb' firework", 3.9.2009, http://www.decanter.com/news/news.php?id=288746

"Soledad winery stops using fireworks", 3.9.2009, http://www.kionrightnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=11038164&nav=menu1591_2

Arlington. Firefighters doused a small fire that burned about 1,000 square feet of brush at the north end of the Municipal Airport. The fire was started by illegal fireworks lit by a resident in 19700 block of 51^st Drive Northeast. 2.9.2009

Source: "Illegal fireworks spark blaze at Arlington airport", 2.9.2009, http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/theblotter/2009794995_illegal_fireworks_spark_blaze.html

Detroit. A woman (42) was upset with her ex-husband when she lit commercial-grade fireworks inside of his car. But she misjudged how powerful the explosive was and how quickly it would detonate. The force of the blast sent shards of glass into the woman's back as she tried to escape the blast, blew the roof off her ex-husband's car and sent its windshield hurtling down the street. 3.9.2009

Source:

"Detroit woman arrested in car bombing", 17.9.2009, http://www.freep.com/article/20090918/NEWS01/909180332/1001/News/Detroit-cops-to-bombers--We-ll-come-after-you 

"Police focus on punishing Detroit firebombing suspects", 17.9.2009, http://www.detnews.com/article/20090917/METRO01/909170463/Police-focus-on-punishing-Detroit-firebombing-suspects

"Woman bombs ex-husband's car", 17.9.2009, http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/20966363/detail.html

The Hoke County Sheriff's Office has arrested one of two soldiers who were burned when fireworks exploded in a truck cab on September 5, 2009, at the intersection of Driftwood Drive and Pebble Lane. 

Martinez (19) was charged on September 11, 2009, with filing a false police report, resisting/obstructing or delaying arrest, and possessing/discharging illegal fireworks. Christman (23) lit a TNT-type firework – the kind used at holiday celebrations – and tried to throw it out the window. Instead, the firework fell to the floor of the truck cab, exploded, the truck caught fire and both men were burned. Martinez was not seriously injured, but Christman suffered second- and third-degree buns. The soldiers then called 911 to report that they were attacked in order to avoid Army discipline.

Source:

"Soldier burned in firework attack", 8.9.2009, http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=7002779 

"Fireworks burn 2 in Hoke County", 11.9.2009, http://www.fayobserver.com/Articles/2009/09/11/932854&ct=ga&cd=uKZrxkIN2Vc&usg=AFQjCNG7AINtfECIcC6b_gP-4fgwYFPJ9g 

"Soldier burned in firework accident in Hoke County is charged", 12.9.2009, http://www.fayobserver.com/Articles/2009/09/12/933015 

"Soldier charged in phony fireworks attack", 14.9.2009, http://www.wral.com/news/news_briefs/story/5997492/

Newton. A fireworks accident at a party has left a 30-year-old man in critical condition. He was setting off a display at 87 Smith Corner Road when the accident happened and suffered burns and a concussion. 6.9.2009

Source: "Man critically injured in Newton fireworks accident", 9.9.2009, http://www.eagletribune.com/punewsnh/local_story_252014133.html?keyword=secondarystory

Suitland, Prince George County. A Skyline Elementary School classroom caught fire after someone broke a window and threw lighted fireworks inside. 8.9.2009

Source: "Elementary school classroom catches fire in Suitland", 8.9.2009, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/08/AR2009090802430.html?hpid=moreheadlines

Hemet. Firecrackers are suspected in a fire that engulfed the roof of the home at 1009 Latham Avenue. Damage was estimated at $75,000. The fireworks are believed to have landed on the aging shake shingle roof. 11.9.2009

Source: "Firecrackers suspected in Friday blaze", 12.9.2009, http://www.thevalleychronicle.com/articles/2009/09/12/news/doc4aab46c08b0e5118825844.txt 

Yelm, Wash. Three teenagers were making a bomb  by taking the gun powder out from fireworks and then stuck it in a plastic bag. The plastic bag exploded as one of the teens attempted to insert a fuse.  The boy (15) holding the bag suffered severe injuries to his face, hands and chest. The other two teens suffered facial injuries and hearing loss. 3.10.2009

Source:

"3 WA teens hurt making homemade bomb", 4.10.2009, http://www.seattlepi.com/local/6420ap_wa_homemade_bomb.html

"Teen airlifted after homemade bomb explodes", 4.10.2009, http://www.yelmonline.com/articles/2009/10/04/first_report/doc4ac8e7ac75f7c470921603.txt

Symmes Twp., Ohio. Two employees of Rozzi's  Fireworks who were cleaning up debris on the Lebanon Road property with a backhoe suffered minor burns when a spark ignited something that exploded. About 12 houses nearby were evacuated, but residents were to come back home hours later. "We do not know for sure what exploded," said Union Township Fire Chief. 6.11.2009

Source:

"Two hurt at Rozzi's fireworks", 6.11.2009, http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20091106/NEWS01/311060054/ 

"Explosion at Rozzi's Fireworks forces evacuations", 7.11.2009, http://www.wcpo.com/news/local/story/Explosion-At-Rozzis-Fireworks-Forces-Evacuations/zNmSkm7Iqk26SFgS1n65cQ.cspx

Holland Township, Mich. The Ottawa County Prosecutor's Office is reviewing possible charges against a 79-year-old man who tried to dispose of fireworks by burning them in a fire pit in his backyard on Maywood Avenue. The man suffered cuts, abrasions and burns after the fireworks exploded. 8.11.2009

Source:

"Man injured in fireworks explosion", 8.11.2009, http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_story.aspx?storyid=115509&catid=14 

"79-year-old man injured in fireworks explosion", 9.11.2009, http://www.hollandsentinel.com/breaking/x558078204/79-year-old-man-injured-in-fireworks-explosion 

"Police watch as man is engulfed by fire pit explosion", 9.11.2009, http://www.wwmt.com/articles/holland-1369124-0in-margin.html

Etna. As the town held its annual holiday celebration, a part of a fireworks display misfired into a group of onlookers and exploded, slightly injuring nine people.

A group of 150 to 200 people were standing about 400 feet away from where the pyrotechnics were being launched. It appears that several launching tubes tipped over after being lit, firing rounds into the crowd. 27.11.2009

Source:

"Fireworks accident causes minor injuries in Etna", 27.11.2009, http://kdka.com/local/fireworks.accident.etna.2.1337735.html 

"9 injured during fireworks mishap near Pittsburgh", 28.11.2009, http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h5yRU_AY6melRhggcLmIdBQl_umAD9C8MPKO0m 

"Nine injured by misfired fireworks in Etna", 28.11.2009, http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09332/1017072-100.stm 

"Equipment defect blamed for Etna fireworks mishap", 30.11.2009, http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09334/1017255-54.stm 

"Malfunctioning fireworks display fired into crowd, injured 9!", 1.12.2009, http://www.newyorkinjurynews.com/2009/12/01/malfunctioning-fireworks-display-fired-into-crowd_200912011646.html

Pflugerville. Two 13-year-old boys playing with firecrackers at a home in the 1100 block of Disraeli Cr. were critically injured at their faces and chests. Burns covered about 25 percent of their bodies. 27.11.2009

Source: "Young boys suffer severe burns in Pflugerville", 27.11.2009, http://www.news8austin.com/content/your_news/default.asp?ArID=259831

Silverton. Someone tossed fireworks at a plastic window of a house on Home Street. The fireworks then melted a part of the window which dripped onto a woman as she slept. The woman was taken to a hospital. 1.12.2009

Source: "Woman burned by fireworks as she slept", 1.12.2009, http://www.kypost.com/content/wcposhared/story/Woman-Burned-By-Fireworks-As-She-Slept/N2SbsibMsU6oJ-zzu83hWw.cspx

West Haven, Conn. A boy (7) is still in the hospital with facial injuries on December 7, 2009, after a firework-like device exploded inside his home in the afternoon of December 6, 2009. The boy was looking at a dead relative's Christmas decorations inside his Fourth Avenue home when a "firework-like device" exploded near his face.

Source: 

"Boy injured by firework-like device", 6.12.2009, http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local-beat/Boy-Injured-by-Fireworks-78644747.html

"Fireworks in Holiday decorations send boy to hospital", 7.12.2009, http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/Boy-Injured-by-Fireworks-78644747.html 

"Conn. Boy injured by exploding fireworks", 7.12.2009, http://nhbr.com/news/statenewengland/470143-227/conn.-boy-injured-by-exploding-firework.html

"7-year-old hospitalised in W. Haven explosion", 7.12.2009, http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2009/12/07/blotter/doc4b1ca7ea91f4f217794400.txt

Three boys were throwing firecrackers into traffic from under the overpass in the 100 block of East Kettleman Lane. 10.12.2009

Source: "Logbook, Lodi Police Department: Firecracker throwers", 14.12.2009, http://www.lodinews.com/articles/2009/12/14/news/logbook/logbook-091212.txt

Willacy County. A 12-year-old boy was arrested and jailed at the Darrel Hester Detention Center on December 29, 2009. The boy is charged with aggravated assault, causing serious bodily injury. Willacy County Sheriff said the charges stem from a December 22^nd incident where the 12-year-old stuck fireworks down a 10-year-old boy's shirt. The fireworks exploded and the 10-year-old suffered second-degree burns. A hearing will be held December 30, 2009, to determine whether to keep the 12-year-old at the detention center or if he will be released to his parents.

Source:

"Twelve-Year-Old charged in fireworks attack", 29.12.2009,

http://www.krgv.com/news/local/story/Twelve-Year-Old-Charged-in-Fireworks-Attack/1-or7paEDUClHW1NNMAijg.cspx

"Sebastian boy held for fireworks attack", 29.12.2009, http://www.valleycentral.com/news/story.aspx?id=395012

San Antonio. A  fireworks stand near U.S. 281 and Overlook Parkway caught fire just after 4.30 a.m. When firefighters go to the scene, the stand was engulfed in flames. Some of the fireworks shot off into the median at U.S. 281, causing a small grass fire. The stand and its merchandise was destroyed. Damage: about $80,000. 25.12.2009

Source:

"Fireworks stand destroyed in North SA", 25.12.2009, http://www.ksat.com/news/22060811/detail.html

"Fire destroys fireworks stand", 25.12.2009, http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/80108102.html

Pearl City. About 15 firefighters extinguished a brush fire near Ahakapu Street in Pacific Palisades that was believed to have been the result of aerial fireworks. The fire scorched an area about half the size of a football field. 26.12.2009

Source:

"Fireworks blamed on brushfire at Pacific Palisades", 27.12.2009, http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20091227/BREAKING01/91227016/Fireworks+blamed+on+brushfire+at+Pacific+Palisades

"Officials say fireworks started Palisades fire", 27.12.2009, http://www.kitv.com/news/22069466/detail.html

Honolulu Fire Department officials suspect fireworks may have been involved in a brush fire that blackened an acre of land in Hawai'I Kai near Kalama Valley. 29.12.2009

Source: "Fireworks suspected in Hawaii Kai brush fire", 29.12.2009, http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20091229/BREAKING01/91229047/Fireworks+suspected+in+Hawai+i+Kai+brush+fire

Port Charlotte, Fla. Three kids playing with fireworks near the intersection of Casale Street and Bolivar Drive, a heavily wooded area, have sparked a brush fire. 29.12.2009

Source:

"Kids playing with fireworks start brush fire in Port Charlotte", 30.12.2009, http://www.mysuncoast.com/Global/story.asp?S=11747562 

"Teens setting off fireworks start fire", 30.12.2009, http://www.winknews.com/news/local/80377692.html

Fort Wayne, Ind. The Pyromaniac Fireworks store broke out in flames, causing numerous loud booms and heavy smoke as bottle rockets and other items exploded inside. Fireworks continued exploding more than two hours after the fire started, even as crews poured water on the levelled building from aerial trucks. 30.12.2009

Source: "Fort Wayne fireworks store destroyed by fire", 30.12.2009, http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-in-fireworksstorefir,0,7372561.story

Oahu. Fireworks-related celebrations are being blamed for at least 20 fires, including small wildfires, rubbish fires and vehicle fires. 31.12.2009/1.1.2010

Source: "Holiday relatively quiet for firefighters", 2.1.2010, http://www.mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/527290.html

Wai'anae. At 12:15a.m., a man in his late teens sustained fireworks-related injuries and was taken in serious condition to a local hospital. 31.12.2009

Source: "Fireworks linked to injuries, brushfires", 2.1.2010, http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20100102/NEWS01/1020333/Fireworks+linked+to+injuries++brushfires

Wailuku. Two teenagers were reported to have been burned when fireworks exploded in the back of a pickup truck. 31.12.2009

Source: "Holiday relatively quiet for firefighters", 2.1.2010, http://www.mauinews.com/page/content.detail/id/527290.html

Waimalu. Paramedics responded to a call of a child under 10 who was apparently injured by fireworks. The child was treated and released at the scene. 31.12.2009

Source: "Fireworks linked to injuries, brushfires", 2.1.2010, http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20100102/NEWS01/1020333/Fireworks+linked+to+injuries++brushfires

Las Vegas. The New Year's show, which will last 7 minutes, 11 seconds, will feature about 96,000 aerial bursts launched from the rooftops of seven casinos along the strip. This year's fireworks cost $500,000.

Source: "Strip fireworks: 7 minutes, 96,000 aerial bursts, $500,000. Las Vegas ready to light fuse on nation's largest New Year's Eve pyrotechnic display", 31.12.2009, http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/dec/31/strip-fireworks-7-minutes-96000-aerial-bursts-5000/

2008

An infant burned with a sparkler was among 105 islanders treated in Hawaii emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries over the New Year period, the state Department of Health reported. About 85% of the victims were injured while setting off or holding fireworks. The other 15% were watching fireworks. Patients ranged in age from infancy to 52 years. Two-thirds were under age 18.

Source: "New Year's fireworks hurt 105", http://starbulletin.com/2008/01/18/news/story11.html

Denton County, Texas. Firecrackers started a brush fire, burned about 5 acres and damaged 4 vehicles. 5.1.2008

Source: "Firecrackers reportedly start fire, burn 5 acres", 6.1.2008, http://www.dentonrc.com/sharedcontent/dws/drc/localnews/stories/DRC_Firecrackers_reportedly_0106.15b335bc.html

Tampa. A 15-year-old boy tossed lit fireworks into a man's (75) home at 3312 W. Walnut St. He then entered through an unlocked sliding door and threw more lit fireworks. He also stole the man's credit cards. The police arrested the boy, charging him with felony burglary and misdemeanor criminal mischief. 6.1.2008

Source:

"15-year-old uses fireworks in Tampa burglary, police say", 7.1.2008, http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/jan/07/15-year-old-uses-fireworks-tampa-burglary-police-s/ 

"Victim says firecracker prank not so funny", 7.1.2008, http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=5416254&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1

Altus. Fireworks thrown into a family's living room exploded. Altus police say a suspect tried to burn down the house. Luckily, the family was still awake and was able to save their home. "… I hear the door being kicked open, and firecrackers going crazy … my whole living room was plumb full of firecrackers," the homeowner said. 16.1.2008

Source: "Fireworks thrown into Altus home almost cause fire", 17.1.2008, http://www.kswo.com/Global/story.asp?S=7690646

Elkhart. Police are investigating a report on Feb. 27, 2008, from a man (30) who said one of his co-workers at M&M Fabricators Corp. in the 52900 block of Glenview Drive placed a firecracker inside his metal inert gas welding machine on Feb. 21, 2008, causing the firecracker to explode in his face. He was complaining of severe headaches and blurred vision in his left eye.

Source: "Elkhart man tells police co-worker injured him with firecracker", 29.2.2008, http://www.southbendtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080229/News01/559549184/0/SPORTS

Pitman. February 25, 2008, a woman (41) of West Holly Avenue suffered injuries to her face, hand and stomach when a stash of "homemade fireworks" stored inside her oven exploded. Neighbors said that after the explosion the woman left her house, crossed the street and collapsed in the front yard of a neighbor's house, who then called 9-1-1. Police blocked traffic on West Holly Avenue for most of the day. Investigators for the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office and members of the New Jersey State Police Bomb Squad obtained a search warrant to inspect the next day the house to ascertain if it was safe for the family to return. 

The house received only minor damage.

February 27,2008, the husband (44) was arrested and charged in connection with making and storing homemade bombs in the family's house and creating a risk of widespread injury or damage, among other offenses.

Source:

"Police: Pitman woman hurt when fireworks explode in oven", 27.2.2008, http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080227/NEWS01/802270369/1006

"Woman injured in Pitman blast", 27.2.2008, http://www.nj.com/news/gloucester/local/index.ssf?/base/news-8/120409890977260.xml&coll=8

"Pitman woman, 41, hurt in blast; fireworks suspected", 27.2.2008, http://www.philly.com/inquirer/local/nj/20080227_Pitman_woman__41__hurt_in_blast__fireworks_suspected.html

"Husband arrested in Pitman explosion that injured woman", 27.2.2008, http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080227/NEWS01/80227039/1006

"Husband charged in Pitman blast", 28.2.2008, http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080228/NEWS01/802280380/1006

Flint. A man(28) blew off most of his hand while trying to throw a fireworks mortar out of his Avon Street home. The explosion rocked the neighborhood.

The man's 1-year-old daughter was home at the time of the blast but was reported safe.

For now, police are calling it an accident, but the landlord said he was preparing to evict the man and that the man was threatening to blow up the house, but at least tried to throw the mortar out. 3.3.2008

Source:

"Flint man's hand injured when fireworks explodes", 3.3.2008, http://www.mlive.com/flintjournal/index.ssf/2008/03/flint_mans_hand_injured_when_f.html

"Mortar round explodes in man's hand", 3.3.2008, http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/story?section=news/local&id=5996048 

"Flint man loses hand while trying to toss explosive", 3.3.2008, http://www.mlive.com/newsflash/index.ssf?/base/news-51/12045905618360.xml&storylist=newsmichigan

East Freedom Township, PA. Fireworks set off in the parking lot prompted fears of an explosion and sent police and area fire departments to the new Wal-Mart Supercenter early in the morning. 5.3.2008

Source: "Fireworks spark scare at Wal-Mart", 5.3.2008, http://www.altoonamirror.com/page/content.detail/id/505316.html?nav=742

Southampton Township, PA. Two teens (17) were observed throwing firecrackers from a car at two women who were riding their bicycles. They were charged with disorderly conduct and fireworks violations. 8.3.2008

Source: "Firecrackers get Ship teens in trouble", 9.3.2008, http://www.cumberlink.com/articles/2008/03/09/breaking_news/breaking960.txt

Oakley. A boy (13) playing with a M-1000 firecracker in his bedroom on the 1000 block of Vineyard Drive lost portions of three fingers when it exploded in his hand. 12.3.2008

Source: "Oakley boy playing with fireworks loses portions of 3 fingers in accident", 13.3.2008, http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_8563206

Chicago. The Police Bomb & Arson section are "leaning towards" the possibility a firework was placed inside a mailbox, causing an explosion at 3716 W. Montrose Ave. on the Northwest Side. 20.3.2008

Source: "Mailbox explodes on Northwest Side", 21.3.2008, http://www.suntimes.com/news/24-7/855382,mailbox032108.article

North Attleboro. A small fire outside the Roosevelt Avenue School has been started by fireworks and a homemade explosive. One 17-year-old and four juveniles, ages 13 to 16 were charged with possession of fireworks, possession of an infernal machine and vandalism following the incident on March 21, 2008.

Source: "Five teens face charges after fire in North Attleboro", 25.3.2008, http://www.thesunchronicle.com/articles/2008/03/25/news/doc47e8792a20566209602872.txt

Port Wentworth. A brush fire started near the intersection of Saussy and Grant, right off Highway 21. Several bottlerockets were found at the site after the fire was put out. 24.3.2008

Source:

"Fireworks suspected in Port Wentworth brush fire", 25.3.2008, http://www.wsav.com/midatlantic/sav/news.apx.-content-articles-SAV-2008-03-25-0018.html

"Brush fire threatens several homes", 25.3.2008, http://www.wtoctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8063665&nav=0qq6

America. A barn outside Lake Jackson caught fire Sunday after children lit a firecracker on a bale of hay inside the barn. 30.3.2008

Source: "Fireworks ignite hay in barn", 2.4.2008, http://thefacts.com/story.lasso?ewcd=cab52be48218c168

Orlando/Fla. During Wrestlemania championship a fireworks-show malfunction dropped live rockets into the cheering fans below. About 45 wrestling fans were injured after a cable that held fireworks on the southwest end of the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium snapped. The burning cable and fireworks dropped into the stands near the end of the event. 

"After the cables snapped, the batch of fireworks hung there burning above our heads," an eyewitness said. "How could they have allowed WWE to put explosive devices above the heads of children?"

Assistant Fire Chief Hoggatt said a guide wire was stretched from the upper pole in the 300 sections of the southwest corner of the Citrus Bowl Stadium to the stage at the north end zone. The cable was to supply a route for fireworks to travel down during the show. "Somewhere in that period the cable failed."

Sunday's fireworks show was reported to have cost $300,000. 30.3.2008

Source:

"Dozens injured at WrestleMania when fireworks, cables fall on crowd", 31.3.2008, http://www.wftv.com/news/15748647/detail.html

"Home Video captures WWE Wrestlemania fireworks accident in Florida, a pyrotechnic show goes wrong during Sunday night's Wrestlemania event" (article with photos and video), 2.4.2008, http://www.wjbf.com/midatlantic/jbf/news_index/entertainment_news.apx.-content-articles-JBF-2008-04-02-0019.html 

"WWE investigates what went wrong in Orlando fireworks display" by Sarah Lundy and Walter Pacheco (article with videos), 1.4.2008, http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orl-fireworks0108apr01,0,5947787.story

Eyewitness reports:

"WrestleMania. 24 attendee provides an eyewitness account of the fireworks accident", 31.3.2008, http://www.prowrestling.net/artman/publish/WWE/article100823.shtml

"WrestleMania News: Close witness to fireworks mishap details injuries suffered at Citrus Bowl", 31.3.2008, http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_25103.shtml 

"WrestleMania News: Fireworks Incident – "It reminded me of the tragedy at the Station nightclub in Rhode island.", 31.3.2008, http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_25115.shtml

Town of Deerpark. Firefighters faced an unexpected and explosive display when a fire that started in a barn Wednesday afternoon spread to an attached garage at 200 Neversink Drive that appeared to contain "aerial rocket" type fireworks that are illegal in New York state. The fire also sparked a brush fire that charred grass just feet away from another house. 2.4.2008

Source:

"Firework-filled garage burns in Deerpark", 2.4.2008, http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080402/NEWS/80402026/-1/NEWS

"Large barn burns in Deerpark", 3.4.2008, http://www.midhudsonnews.com/News/April08/03/Dpk_fire-03Apr08.html

Suffolk, VA. Suffolk police have filed animal cruelty charges against a 17-year-old girl and her 14-year-old brother for using fireworks to intentionally frighten a horse that was being walked on a lead by a 12-year-old girl. When the horse heard the noise it was so scared it ran off and injured itself. 5.4.2008

Source:

"Two juveniles arrested after spooking horse with fireworks", 8.4.2008, http://www.wavy.com/Global/story.asp?S=8128677&nav=23iidz1W 

"Juveniles charged with animal cruelty after spooking horse with fireworks", 7.4.2008, http://www.wtkr.com/Global/story.asp?S=8128564&nav=ZolHbyvj

"Fireworks spooked horse in Suffolk; juveniles charged", 7.4.2008, http://www.wvec.com/news/suffolk/stories/wvec_local_040708_horse_spook_fireworks.3e4b2d50.html

South Elgin, Ill. Someone set off a powerful M-80 firecracker inside South Elgin High School at 760 E. Main St., which triggered the fire alarm and prompted an immediate evacuation of the school. Four students received minor injuries "complaining that the sound bothered their ears". 16.4.2008 

Source:

"Suburban school evacuated after firecracker explodes", 16.4.2008, http://www.wbbm780.com/pages/2015848.php?

"M-80 goes off at South Elgin High School", 17.4.2008, http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/couriernews/news/899755,3_1_EL17_A1SEHIGH_S1.article 

"Police arrest teenager in firecracker incident", 17.4.2008, http://www.kcchronicle.com/articles/2008/04/17/news/local/doc48071c277d54f647371200.txt

Youths threw a smoke bomb firecracker into the Mac's Convenience Store on Queen Street East. 17.4.2008

Source: "Kids smoke-bomb the Queen St Mac's", 18.4.2008, http://www.sootoday.com/content/news/full_story.asp?StoryNumber=31515

Madison, Wis. A fireworks apparently detonated outside a bathroom at Hamilton Middle School, setting off a fire alarm. The building had been evacuated for a hour because of smoke. A boy (12) was taken to the hospital with unknown injuries. 18.4.2008

Source:

"Boy rushed to hospital after fireworks go off at Madison Middle School", 18.4.2008, http://www.wisn.com/news/15925448/detail.html

"Boy hurt by firework", 19.4.2008, http://www.madison.com/tct/news/282327

Macedonia, OH. A man (35) was making fireworks in his backyard using a mixture of chemicals called flash powder. The powder exploded creating a hole in the backyard and sending debris flying. The impact of the explosion shook neighboring homes and shattered windows. Debris rained down hundreds of yards away. Residents were evacuated while the Bomb Squad went through the home. Officials found the rest of the man's cache stored in his bedroom, the basement and garage. 22.4.2008

Source: 

"Man in jail after explosion at home in Macedonia", 22.4.2008, http://www.myfoxcleveland.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=6367154&version=10&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1

"Macedonia case turns light on world of homemade fireworks, 25.4.2008, http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/summit/1209112284135760.xml&coll=2&thispage=1

Sissonville. A man (32) was cleaning a house at 623 Russell Street when he found a firecracker in a bedroom closet and took it out to the front porch to set it off, but it blew up in his hand. The explosion blew off the tips of his ring and middle fingers on his left hand. 24.4.2008

Source:

"Man blows off parts of fingers in fireworks accident", 25.4.2008, http://www.dailymail.com/policebrfs/200804250168

"Man loses hand in fireworks explosion", 24.4.2008, http://www.wsaz.com/home/headlines/18161099.html 

Westfield. Officials say fireworks were the cause of a fire at the Valley Farms Apartments on South Union Street on April 25, 2008. Children playing with sparklers started the blaze, when some bushes near the building caught fire. Three firefighters were slightly injured while fighting the fire that damaged 12 units and displaced 25 residents. Damage: $250,000.

Source: "Fireworks blamed in Westfield fire", 27.4.2008, http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=8230700&nav=menwfsb188_2

Swampscott, Mass. A boy (13) lost the tips of two fingers in a kitchen explosion. He was making improvised explosive devices, including homemade fireworks. 1.5.2008

Source:

"Boy loses fingers to fireworks", 11.6.2008, http://www.turnto10.com/northeast/jar/news.apx.-content-articles-JAR-2008-06-11-0002.html

"Lynn store in hot water for selling fireworks", 12.6.2008, http://www.thedailyitemoflynn.com/articles/2008/06/12/news/news11.txt

Millcreek Township. Police believe fireworks might have started the blaze that totalled a student's Volkswagen in the parking lot of McDowell High School. 5.5.2008

Source: "Fireworks suspected in car fire at McDowell", 6.5.2008, http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080506/NEWS02/300734417/-1/NEWS

Nodaway, Mo. Employees for Schneitter Fireworks dug a deep trench on land the company owns southeast of Andrew County Road 408 and dumped returned, dated and water-damaged fireworks in it.

Eight firetrucks and 22 firefighters had to be dispatched to fight grass and brush fires. 5.5.2008

Source: "Rumbles and grumbles. Attempt at fireworks disposal goes awry near Nodaway", 7.5.2008, http://www.stjoenews.net/news/2008/may/07/rumbles-and-grumbles/?local

Big Lake, Alaska. The Army and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms worked to destroy old fireworks. Explosives experts were called in to handle the materials after family members of a deceased pyro-technician discovered a stash of old fireworks and other explosives in his storage unit. The materials were moved into a marshy area for detonation. The force of the shockwave broke windows in at least two homes near the detonation site. The explosion was heard about five miles away. 9.5.2008

Source:

"Big boom in Big Lake rattles nerves", 10.5.2008, http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=8306397

"Alaska officials blow up old fireworks", 11.5.2008, http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Quirks/2008/05/11/alaska_officials_blow_up_old_fireworks/5005/

"Fireworks discovery near Big Lake leads to heck of a boom. Destruction of old stash wakes the neighbors", 11.5.2008, http://www.adn.com/front/story/402568.html

Mount Vernon, Ohio. Exploding fireworks destroyed a house at 25 Grange Ave. on May 10, 2008. Mount Vernon Fire Department Capt. said the foundation of the house was so badly damaged the house will be torn down on May 12. "A secondary explosion blew out three layers off above-ground foundation blocks and also destroyed the entire west side of the house, 15 feet of the front, and 25 feet of the rear wall." - The owner (54) of the home is a licensed fireworks exhibitor in Ohio, but that license does not permit him to store those fireworks in his home or in a residential area.

Source:

"Exploding fireworks destroy MV house", 12.5.2008, http://www.mountvernonnews.com/local/08/05/12/grange_ave.html

"Exploding fireworks destroy Mount Vernon home", 12.5.2008, http://www.nbc4i.com/midwest/cmh/news.apx.-content-articles-CMH-2008-05-12-0030.html 

"Investigation continues in house fire", 13.5.2008, http://www.mountvernonnews.com/local/08/05/13/grange_ave.html

Destin. A 8-year-old suffered what firefighters called "critical" injuries to his face and head after setting off fireworks with his father. The one that injured the boy malfunctioned and instead soaring about 150 feet into the air, it exploded on the ground in the tube. The cardboard launching tube and plastic base became shrapnel, striking the child. The force deformed the boy's windpipe, collapsed one lung and caused massive internal haemorrhaging, the father said. 11.5.2008

Source:

"Boy critical after fireworks accident", 12.5.2008, http://www.nwfdailynews.com/article/14377

"An 'all-American child', 13.5.2008, http://www.nwfdailynews.com/article/14409 

"Community rallies for Gianni", 14.5.2008, http://www.nwfdailynews.com/article/14424 

"Dad speaks about son's injuries", 16.5.2008, http://www.nwfdailynews.com/article/14480/1

Olathe, Kan. Ronald Brett Anderson (49) died from blunt force trauma during an explosion, caused by homemade pyrotechnic powder - which creates the audible bang or boom in fireworks - and fire in his home in the 100 block of South Cory Circle. His roommate (45) suffered burns. Damage: $110,000. 12.5.2008

Source:

"Pyrotechnic powder causes Olathe explosion", 14.5.2008, http://www.kctv5.com/news/16266450/detail.html

"Public safety: Homemade pyrotechnic powder caused fatal Olathe blast", 14.5.2008, http://www.kansascity.com/115/story/620470.htm

Park Ridge. A car parked near the intersection of Virginia Street and Forestview Avenue sustained approximately $930 in damage after someone threw a large, lit pack of firecrackers at the vehicle. The explosion damaged a window, windshield wipers and the paint. 12.5.2008

Source: " Police Blotter", 22.5.2008, http://www.pioneerlocal.com/parkridge/news/962215,pr-cops-052208-s1.article

Efforts to frighten wildlife away from runways at the Jamestown Regional Airport resulted in a grass fire that burned approximately 5 acres of slough grass. It started from a bird banger, a type of firecracker that frightens birds by exploding. 19.5.2008

Source: " Anti-bird device causes airport fire", 20.5.2008, http://www.jamestownsun.com/articles/index.cfm?id=66437&section=news&freebie_check&CFID=38014357&CFTOKEN=71757083&jsessionid=88303d27d23b7d741371

Evans. Two toilets at Riverside Park, 42^nd Street and Golden Street, were destroyed and the bathroom was damaged after someone detonated M80s – basically large firecrackers – in the toilets and set toilet paper on fire. Damage: about $500. 20.5.2008

Source: " Authorities asking for information after M80s are detonated in a bathroom in Evans park", 22.5.2008, http://www.greeleytrib.com/article/20080522/NEWS/314289254

Springfield. May 24, 2008, Greene County sheriff's deputies arrested a man, after a homemade bomb exploded just north of the city in the Beverly Hills subdivision. The explosion caused a two-second fire, scorched a street and scattered a little debris. The sheriff's department said, the 22-year-old man made a bomb with a "large quantity of modified fireworks".

Source: "Exploding old fireworks could lead to serious charge against man", 27.5.2008, http://www.ky3.com/news/local/19292964.html

Green Oak Township. A man (56) suffered injuries after he was struck in the face by a mortar-type firework Sunday night at a residence in the 8000 block of Riverside Drive. 25.5.2008

Source:

"Green Oak man injured in fireworks accident", 27.5.2008, http://www.whmi.com/news/article/6493 

"Man injured in fireworks accident", 27.5.2008, http://livingstondaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080527/NEWS01/805270312

Lebanon, Pa. A man (51) is in critical condition at hospital after being hit in the head with shrapnel from a homemade firework Monday afternoon at a family picnic at his home on East Pennsylvania Avenue. The explosive was made by the man's brother-in-law (44). The explosion blew out the sides of the drum, sending shrapnel flying 60 feet to where people were gathered at a grill. – The brother-in-law was charged with risking a catastrophe and manufacture of weapons of mass destruction, police said. 26.5.2008

Source:

"Man injured by homemade firework", 27.5.2008, http://www.wgal.com/news/16401681/detail.html

"Pipe bomb explosion at picnic injures 1", 28.5.2008, http://www.pennlive.com/news/patriotnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1211943303143560.xml&coll=1

Port St. Lucie. A woman (19) accused of hurling firecrackers May 27, 2008, from a sport utility vehicle, causing other motorists to brake and swerve, faces a felony throwing a deadly missile from moving vehicle charge.

Source: " New Jersey woman accused of hurling firecrackers from SUV in Port St. Lucie", 28.5.2008, http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2008/may/28/new-jersey-woman-accused-hurling-firecrackers-suv-/

Hammond. A 16-year-old boy is in custody for allegedly setting off a firework inside the Wal-Mart at 1828 E. 165^th St. The store was evacuated. One female employee received treatment for smoke inhalation. Firefighters had to put out the fire. 30.5.2008

Source: " Juvenile sets off fireworks at Wal-Mart, 31.5.2008, http://www.post-trib.com/news/980178,lawandorder.article

Lauderhill, Fla. Middle School at 1901 NW 49^th St. was evacuated after someone dropped a firecracker in a trash can, filling the cafeteria with smoke. 30.5.2008

Source: " Smoke at Middle School prompts evacuation. Firecracker found in trash can near school cafeteria", 30.5.2008, http://www.local10.com/news/16439445/detail.html

Charleston County deputies were investigating a cherry-bomb-style firework that blew up a residential mailbox in the Ladson Heights subdivision off U.S. Highway 78. 2.6.2008

Source: " Explosive device destroys mailbox", 4.6.2008, http://www.charleston.net/news/2008/jun/04/briefly43277/

Vancouver, Wash. A girl's (12) hand was severely injured when she lit the fuse of a large, illegal M-80-type firework on a dresser in her Five Corners home at 9517 N.E. 70^th St. and it exploded as she tried to extinguish the fuse. 2.6.2008

Source:

"M-80 explodes in Washington girl's hand", 2.6.2008, http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/6420ap_wa_fireworks_mishap.html 

"Firework explodes in Vancouver girl's hand", 2.6.2008, http://blog.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2008/06/firework_explodes_in_vancouver.html

"Illegal firework explodes in girl's hand", 3.6.2008, http://www.kptv.com/news/16474117/detail.html

"Girl's hand injured in firecracker explosion", 3.6.2008, http://www.columbian.com/news/localNews/2008/06/06032008_Fire-badly-damages-pickup-truck.cfm

Hazleton City. A youth threw a firecracker into a Postal Service mailbox at the corner of Laurel and Juniper streets. Later, the same youth threw a firecracker known as a "flying saucer" into an open window of a house of the southwest corner of Laurel and Acacia streets. It caught a windowsill, curtains and a sofa on fire. A woman and a teenage girl were taken to hospital for possible smoke inhalation. 4.6.2008

Source: " Firecrackers set city mailbox, home ablaze", 5.6.2008, http://www.standardspeaker.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7600&Itemid=2

Fort Worth. Fireworks from a city-sponsored fireworks show after the 2008 Women's Olympic Softball Team play started a fire that burned an estimated 8 to 10 acres of an undeveloped area of Gateway Park. High winds prevented fireworks from reaching the desired altitude for explosion, so remnants were still burning when they hit the ground. Nine firetrucks and 22 firefighters foughts the blaze for about an hour. 5.6.2008

Source:

"Fireworks show goes on despite high winds, starts grass fire", 6.6.2008, http://www.myfoxdfw.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=6710547&version=3&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1 

"Fort Worth officials apologize for fireworks display that sparked blaze", 6.6.2008, http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/060708dnmetgrassfire.5cf1432.html 

"Fireworks spark FW ballpark blaze", 6.6.2008, http://www.txcn.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/tv/stories/wfaa080605_mo_ballparkblaze.3d9d62c.html 

"Fort Worth Fire Department takes blame for Gateway Park fire", 7.6.2008, http://www.star-telegram.com/news/story/687376.html

Newark. Two men (37 and 45) were injured in an explosion at a garage at 235 Granville St. Fire Marshal spokesman said the investigation is ongoing, but preliminary indications are that the material is a homemade firework or explosive of that nature, but what caused the ignition is unknown. 8.6.2008

Source:

"Franklin County Bomb Squad responding to explosion site", 9.6.2008, http://www.coshoctontribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080609/UPDATES01/80609016 

"Bomb squad removes firework devices from garage", 10.6.2008, http://zanesvilletimesrecorder.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080610/NEWS01/806100312/1002/NEWS01

Port Huron, Michigan. Someone in a passing vehicle threw two firecrackers at a jogger on Gratiot Avenue near Lakeview Avenue. 11.6.2008

Source: " Man attacked while jogging", 12.6.2008, http://www.thetimesherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080612/NEWS01/806120306/1002

Tehachapi, Calif. Two men shot off illegal aerial fireworks which started a fire in the city's Historic Train Depot and caused more than $1 million in damage to the landmark. 13.6.2008

Source:

"Fireworks ignited historic Tehachapi train depot", 18.6.2008, http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_9627917 

"Cause of historic train depot fire in Tehachapi", 18.6.2008, http://www.1bakersfield.com/news/read/2/152305 

"Residents react to Historic Train Depot fire", 18.6.2008, http://www.kget.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=99107378-df83-4d8a-99eb-f046b079e929

June 17, 2008, four teenage boys (16, 16, 15, 15) were charged with delinquency counts of vandalism with causing more than $500,000 in damage by throwing a firecracker into a book deposit in an exterior wall of the Wells Public Library in the village of Albany (Athens County, Ohio) on June 14, 2008. The resulting fire spread to part of the library and flooded the building with smoke.

Source: " Four teens charged in library fire from firecracker", 17.6.2008, http://www.columbusdispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/06/17/library.html?sid=101

Kennewick, WA. A man was injured when a firework first didn't go off at his apartment complex at 465 N. Arthur, so that he wrapped it in duct tape and broke the powder cylinder, lit the firework and then it exploded in his hand. 17.6.2008

Source: "Charge could add insult to injury for fireworks maker", 19.6.2008, http://www.tri-cityherald.com/901/story/216812.html

Hoffman Estates. A fire at a house in the 4100 block of Victoria Drive caused some structural damage, but no one was injured. Officers determined the fire was most likely sparked by the careless use of fireworks by a minor. Two clerks at the store where the fireworks may have been sold to the juvenile, were cited for a violation of the village ordinance regarding the illegal sale and possession of fireworks. 18.6.2008

Source: "Clerks charged in sale of fireworks that started house fire", 19.6.2008, http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/couriernews/news/1015218,EL19_FIREWORKS_WEB_061908.article

Riverview. An explosion that levelled a house at 9914 Valley Drive and injured the occupant, may be connected to materials used to manufacture fireworks. Authorities still are unsure what provided the initial spark for the blast and subsequent fire, but an ATF spokesman said there are early indications the fireworks materials exploded, destroying the house. 18.6.2008

Source:

"House explosion could be tied to fireworks", 19.6.2008, http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/news/stlouiscitycounty/story/d38472d397b00b708625746d006df391?OpenDocument 

"Riverview: Fireworks in house may have caused blast", 20.6.2008, http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/news/laworder/story/8b113413ed6b0c678625746e000a7490?OpenDocument

York. Kids playing with fireworks are being blamed for a fire that gutted three row homes in the 600 block of Susquehanna Avenue. When the two boys were setting off fireworks, the sparks from the fireworks shot through an open door into one of the homes, igniting trash and debris inside. Damage: $20,000. 18.6.2008

Source:

"Fireworks blamed for fire", 19.6.2008, http://www.whptv.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=a6df1d71-3b8a-44fc-b410-76be2c862c2f

"Fireworks set off by children led to the blaze",20.6.2008, http://ydr.inyork.com/ci_9642754

Jamestown, Ca. Illegal fireworks have been deemed the cause of a 2 acre vegetation fire at 14196 Jacksonville Rd. in the Jamestown area. 19.6.2008

Source:

"Fireworks ruled cause of fire near Jamestown", 20.6.2008, http://www.mymotherlode.com/News/article/kvml/1213992334 

Fireworks cause of 2 acre vegetation fire in Jamestown on Thursday, 20.6.2008, http://thepinetree.net/index.php?module=announce&ANN_user_op=view&ANN_id=7287

Lincoln, Neb. Police are investigating five different instances they believe someone used fireworks to start fires in cars and a portable toilet. June 19, 2008: car on fire at 1400 block of Rose street; June 21, 2008: portable toilet blown off at 9130 Sandhills Court à investigators say they think it was a firework artillery shell; June 22, 2008 and June 23, 2008: 3 car fires at 1116 N. 38^th street à officers found pieces of cardboard and paper of a firework artillery shell inside the car, at 811 Mulder à officials found firework residue and burn patterns throughout the car and near 24^th and Lake à fire investigators found remains of shells for artillery fireworks.

Source: "Police investigate 5 possible firework arsons", 24.6.2008, http://www.kolnkgin.com/home/headlines/20741404.html

Newport. A series of explosions rocked a mobile home park, injuring two people and decimating the residence of a man known for manufacturing smoke grenades (Class C fireworks). One man (44) suffered severe burns to the top half of his body, another man (72) had to be treated for smoke inhalation. 19.6.2008

Source: "Man burned in mobile home explosion", 20.6.2008, http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Man+burned+in+mobile+home+explosion&articleId=c4b9fdce-29cc-4b0f-82cb-c8e26800d910

Waconia, Minn. An explosion Thursday evening in a barn in the 6800 block of Goose Lake Drive in Waconia Township wiped out the entire lot of pyrotechnics that were to be shot off Saturday as part of a celebration marking the Hamburg's 125^th anniversary.

The accident happened as men were unloading fireworks that had arrived for Hamburg's Zummerfest. They were installing fuses on them when one of them went off and then there was a chain reaction.

One worker suffered burns on his hands, smoke inhalation and possibly an injury to his eye.

It took firefighters from six agencies to extinguish the blaze that occurred in the 120- by 80-foot barn.

The total loss to the building and equipment belonging to a masonry company that was inside is estimated at more than $1 million, Waconia Fire Chief said. 19.6.2008

Source:

"Fireworks explosion injures man in Waconia", 20.6.2008, http://www.fortmilltimes.com/124/story/201396.html

"Fireworks explode, barn destroyed in Waconia", 20.6.2008, http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=6810236&version=2&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1

"Hamburg fireworks to go on in spite of explosion", 20.6.2008, http://www.startribune.com/local/20597504.html?location_refer=Homepage

Joliet. Police arrested a man after he reportedly threw an M-80 firecracker at people at a local tavern at Jameson's, 2755 Black Road June 20, 2008. The man (26) was booked into the county jail on charges of possession of an explosive device, reckless conduct and resisting arrest. Four people suffered "minor injuries" as a result of the explosion.

Source: "M-80 thrown into Joliet tavern", 21.6.2008, http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/heraldnews/news/police/1017422,4_1_JO21_COPS_S1.article

Oakland. Explosion and fire in the back lot of a church and market in the 9300 block of International Boulevard. From an investigation it appears that smoldering fireworks set off earlier in the day ignited several nearby propane tanks used to fuel a forklift in the lot. The fire displaced eight residents and killed three pets. 20.6.2008  

Source: "Two Oakland fires linked to fireworks", 27.6.2008, http://www.insidebayarea.com/ci_9723352

Belle Vernon, Pa. A father (37) left his son (9) alone in a room were M-80 firecrackers and a cigarette lighter were in full reach of the child. One of the firecrackers exploded in the boy's hand. He lost part of his middle finger on one hand, and the other fingers on the hand were burned. - The man is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and recklessly endangering another person. 21.6.2008

Source:

"Father charged after boy is injured by firework", 24.6.2008, http://www.wpxi.com/news/16696991/detail.html

"Firework blows part of boy's finger off; dad charged (with video), 24.6.2008, http://www.thepittsburghchannel.com/news/16694932/detail.html

"Child injured by fireworks, father charged" (with video), 24.6.2008, http://kdka.com/local/Fireworks.Injury.Belle.2.755684.html 

"Dad charged after M-80 blows up in son's hand", 25.6.2008, http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribunereview/news/fayette/s_574461.html 

"M-80 injures boy; dad facing charges", 25.6.2008, http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08177/892313-55.stm

Oakland. Fire by eastbound Interstate 580 between 35^th Avenue and High Street. It may have been ignited by fireworks thrown from a vehicle. 21.6.2008

Source: "Two Oakland fires linked to fireworks", 27.6.2008, http://www.insidebayarea.com/ci_9723352  

White River Twp. In the yard of the summer home on 7101 Old Channel Trail, a man (49) was lighting off a 3-inch mortar round, which is an illegal firework, and the round exploded in his face. The man suffered a serious left eye injury, multiple facial cuts and second- and third-degree burns to the face and upper chest area. 21.6.2008

Source: "Fireworks accident puts man in hospital", 23.6.2008, http://www.mlive.com/news/chronicle/index.ssf?/base/news-14/1214232312130970.xml&coll=8

Longmont. People throwing fireworks from a car may have sparked four grass fires in southwest Longmont. The cause of the fires is under investigation. 23.6.2008  

Source: "Fireworks may have sparked grass fires", 24.6.2008, http://www.timescall.com/news_story.asp?ID=9531

North Lawndale. Fireworks explodion inside the Tasty Sub fast-food restaurant in the 3700 block of West 16^th Stree. The blast blew tiles off the restaurant’s ceiling and shattered a pane of bulletproof glass. 25.6.2008

Source: "Fireworks explode at sub shop on Chicago's West Side", 26.6.2008, http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-fireworks-restaurant-_crime-jun26,0,6380441.story

Graham. A teenager (19) was arrested June 26, 2008, and charged with arson after allegedly starting a 78-acre grass fire on Flat Rock Road by throwing lit fireworks out the window of his van while driving to and from his house in the area.

Source: "Graham teenager arrested for arson", 3.7.2008, http://www.grahamleader.com/news/get-news.asp?id=13089&catid=1&cpg=get-news.asp

Northeast Kansas City. A fire damaged a vacant house in the 3200 block of Farrow Avenue. Damage: $15,000. Although fireworks are believed to have been responsible, the matter is still under investigation. 26.6.2008

Source: "Fireworks possibly to blame for house fire", 27.6.2008, http://www.kansascity.com/news/breaking_news/story/682145.html

Four families had to move out of their Summerlin Oaks apartments after a neighbor (34) set off fireworks and lit small fires inside his apartment. 27.6.2008

Source: "Resident arrested for setting fire to apartment", 30.6.2008, http://www.polkcountydemocrat.com/articles/2008/06/30/news/01arson.txt

Lolo. A wildland fire near 1100 Lewis and Clark West. Fire investigators believe the most likely cause of the fire was fireworks. 27.6.2008

Source: "Fire officials blame fireworks for Friday afternoon blaze", 27.6.2008, http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2008/06/27/bnews/br76.txt

Wiggins. Fireworks may have started a fire that scorched a house and adjacent work shed according to the Fire Chief. 27.6.2008

Source: "Fireworks cause of blaze?", 30.6.2008, http://www.fortmorgantimes.com/news/2008/jun/30/fireworks-cause-blaze/

Boonville. Authorities say juveniles playing with fireworks likely sparked a blaze that destroyed a vacant house at the 500 block of East Chestnut Street. 29.6.2008

Source: 

"Boonville fire likely caused by fireworks", 30.6.2008, http://www.courierpress.com/news/2008/jun/30/fire-likely-caused-by-fireworks-officials-say/

"Fireworks likely cause of vacant home blaze", 2.7.2008, http://www.tristate-media.com/articles/2008/07/02/warricknews/news/02fire.txt

Kansas City, Mo. Investigators said children playing with fireworks in an attic is what caused a house at 52^nd and Brookside Boulevard to burn down. 29.6.2008

Source:

"Fireworks responsible for Brookside house fire", 29.6.2008, http://www.myfoxkc.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=6875987&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1 

"Fire blamed on kids playing with fireworks", 30.6.2008, http://www.kctv5.com/news/16748473/detail.html

Wichita, Kansas. Employees who were shooting off bottle rockets, roman candles and mortars ignited storage boxes on a loading dock at a storage building at 7702 E. Funston. The fire spread into part of the building and caused an estimated $300,000 in damage. 29.6.2008

Source:

"Fireworks fires send damage meter spinning", 30.6.2008, http://www.kansas.com/news/updates/story/449680.html 

"Fireworks responsible for near record damage", 30.6.2008, http://www.ksn.com/news/local/22743579.html

Clinton County. Un unexploded sparkler bomb was discovered inside a mailbox by a United States Postal Carrier. Members of the ATF along with their Bomb Squad showed up on scene and performed a render safe procedure soon after the device was located in the mailbox. 30.6.2008

Source: "Explosive device discovered by postal carrier", 9.7.2008, http://www.citizen-observer.com/articles/2008/07/09/news/news67.txt

Lehi. A man (32) was booked into the Utah County Jail on July 1, 2008, on charges of possessing an explosive, chemical or incendiary device, and possessing the parts for such devices. Before his arrest, he was treated at hospital for cuts to his hand and stomach he got when a homemade pipe bomb blew up in his hand in the night of June 30, 2008. The man told the police that he was packing explosive material into a metal pipe. He put the contents of emptied-out firecrackers, fireworks and rifle rounds into a pipe casing and was packing the gunpowder down with an ice pick when the pipe exploded.

Source: "Lehi man hurt by homemade pipe bomb", 2.7.2008, http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/271946/

Philadelphia, PA. Four men (18, 23, 27, 25) are facing charges after bombarding from a driving car a family with M-100s, powerful and illegal fireworks, on June 30, 2008. A boy (13) suffered a first degree-burn and a woman had trouble hearing.

Source: "Four men arrested for fireworks assault", 2.7.2008, http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/usworld/news-article.aspx?storyid=112803&catid=6

Reading. The police bomb squad removed a suspicious package that city workers found June 30, 2008, on the roof of a fire station at Third and Court streets. The package was a paint can containing a firecracker, that someone must have thrown onto the roof.

Source:

"Bomb squad removes suspicious package in Reading" (with video), 30.6.2008, http://www.readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=97379 

"Firecracker found on firehouse roof; streets blocked", 1.7.2008, http://wfmz.com/view/?id=290355

Richmond, Va. A boy (9) suffered second degree burns over 45% of his body when he and his friends were using a candle to light sparklers. Firefighters believe the fireworks caught the boy's shirt on fire. 30.6.2008

Source: "Boy burned by fireworks", 4.7.2008, http://www.wtvr.com/Global/story.asp?S=8618120

Rockport area. Several homes were threatened by a fast moving brush fire that scorched about 10 acres. A blaze, authorities say was sparked by fireworks.

Source: "Fireworks spark fire in Rockport", 30.6.2008, http://www.kiiitv.com/news/local/22745974.html

St. Charles, Mo. Fireworks are being blamed for a fire that destroyed a home and left a neighboring home badly damaged. Firefighters believe that, when a father and son were shooting bottle rockets, the father accidentally set a bag of fireworks on fire. Damage: $150,000. 30.6.2008

Source: "Fireworks destroy home", 3.7.2008, http://www.myfoxstl.com/myfox/pages/News/Detail?contentId=6905444&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=3.2.1

Wichita, Kansas. Early in the morning, a group of people were throwing firecrackers in the parking lot of Remington Park Apartments at 7101 W. Shade when one of the firecrackers landed inside a car and set it on fire. Damage: $8000. 30.6.2008

Source:

"Fireworks fires send damage meter spinning", 30.6.2008, http://www.kansas.com/news/updates/story/449680.html 

"Fireworks responsible for near record damage", 30.6.2008, http://www.ksn.com/news/local/22743579.html

Wichita, Kansas. House fire in the 900 block of East Idlewild. The homeowner had been setting off fireworks, then put the remnants in a plastic dumpster next to the garage. The dumpster ignited early in the morning and the fire spread into the garage, causing about $50,000 in damage. 30.6.2008

Source:

"Fireworks fires send damage meter spinning", 30.6.2008, http://www.kansas.com/news/updates/story/449680.html 

"Fireworks responsible for near record damage", 30.6.2008, http://www.ksn.com/news/local/22743579.html

Alamo. A bottle rocket caused the fire that destroyed a business. - Investigators determined that a firework shot toward the building started the blaze at Partners Pallets, at 170 S. Burns St. 1.7.2008

Source: "Bottle rocket caused Alamo fire", 3.7.2008, http://www.jacksonsun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080703/NEWS01/80703027

Buffalo, N.Y. A man sold illegal fireworks out of his car to six-, nine-, and ten-year-old kids. The six-year-old ignited one inside a bedroom of his grandfather's home at 235 Vermont Street causing a two-alarm fire. The fire damaged two other houses, injured a firefighter and left three families homeless. The boy suffered first-degree burns to his right arm. Damage to the three structures was estimated at $110,000. Fire marshals were able to track down the alleged fireworks merchant (49). The man is charged with illegally selling fireworks and endangering the welfare of a child. 1.7.2008

Source:

"Six-year-old playing with fireworks sparks two-alarm fire in Buffalo", 1.7.2008, http://www.wivb.com/Global/story.asp?s=8586027 

"Six-year-old playing with fireworks sparks two-alarm fire in Buffalo, Tonawanda man charged", 1.7.2008, http://www.wivb.com/Global/story.asp?S=8586027&nav=menu41_1 

"West Side fireworks accident torches three homes", 3.7.2008, http://www.wben.com/news/fullstory.php?newsid=10301 

"A dollar's worth of firecrackers touched off a conflagration on the West Sid", 3.7.2008, http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregion/story/383971.html

"Vermont Street fire tied to child igniting fireworks and fireworks seller arrested", 3.7.2008, http://www.wgrz.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=59084&catid=13

Fairfield Township. Someone trying to modify (consumer) fireworks sparked a garage fire at 7209 Huntsman Way. More than two dozen boxes of illegal fireworks were found in the garage and basement. Some of the fireworks – when they ignited during the fire – blew three-inch holes in the roof of the garage. Damages: at $10,000. – A couple (the homeowners) escaped unharmed, but has been cited with possessing illegal fireworks. 1.7.2008

Source:

"Fireworks stash blasts inside Fairfield. Homeowners escape injury in explosion", 1.7.2008, http://www.wlwt.com/news/16762764/detail.html

"Modified fireworks sparked blaze" (with videos "Modified fireworks sparked blaze" and "Fairfield Township garage filled with fireworks catches fire", 2.7.2008, http://www.local12.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=28250dee-158b-4b13-b295-fd3cb8adb295 

"'Garage full of fireworks' ignites" (article with photos or watch the photos directly under http://www.journal-news.com/p/content/gen/sharedoh/photos_galleries/news/local/070108fire.html or http://www.middletownjournal.com/p/content/gen/sharedoh/photos_galleries/news/local/070108fire.html), 2.7.2008, http://www.journal-news.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2008/07/01/hjn070208fireworks.html or http://www.middletownjournal.com/hp/content/oh/story/news/local/2008/07/01/hjn070208fireworks.html 

"Charges possible after fireworks fire", 2.7.2008, http://www.kypost.com/content/wcposhared/story.aspx?content_id=99ca8268-efd9-47b4-aef3-3827a18f9d65

"Fireworks guy could face felony charges" (with photos under http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=AB&Dato=20080701&Kategori=NEWS01&Lopenr=807020810&Ref=PH), 2.7.2008, http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080702/NEWS0107/307020020

Jeffersonville, Indiana. A part of a house was destroyed and many of the family pets were killed by a fire that was caused by children playing with fireworks inside the garage, which caught on fire. 1.7.2008

Source: "Jeffersonville garage fire puts focus on the danger of fireworks during this holiday weekend", 2.7.2008, http://www.whas11.com/topstories/stories/070208whascwTopJeffFire.169259f2.html

Kaysville, Utah. A part of a house near Main Street and 400 South caught fire; the cause: the family had been lighting fireworks and disposed of the pyrotechnics in a garbage can and it smoldered. Hours later the trash can caught fire. Damage: about $10,000. 1.7.2008

Source:

"Fireworks start Kaysville house fire", 2.7.2008, http://www.abc4.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=cac25467-eba0-4c54-b749-1c34c10157ed 

"Home damaged in fireworks-related blaze", 3.7.2008, http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700240226,00.html

Lawton. A teenager (15) spent the evening with some friends shooting fireworks. He held a large artillery shell firework over his head, and instead of launching, it exploded in his hands and parts of the shell hit him in the chest, on his arms and all over his face. He suffered second-degree burns. 1.7.2008

Source: "Lawton teen badly burned after fireworks explosion", 3.7.2008, http://www.kswo.com/Global/story.asp?S=8615913

Modesto, Calif. A fire that caused $30,000 in damage to a home in the 1900 block of Tradewinds Court, was started after a teenager (17) modified a "Piccolo Pete", which is only supposed to whistle, and placed it inside a 20-ounce plastic soda bottle. Once it exploded, it flew about 50 feet from his launching area through the air, causing a neighbor's house to catch fire. – The teenager was cited with a misdemeanor charge on suspicion of using an altered firework. 1.7.2008

Source:

"Firework causes $30,000 in damage to Modesto home; teen arrested", 2.7.2008, http://www.modbee.com/local/story/347309.html 

"Firework shot in air, catches house on fire", 2.7.2008, http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700239982,00.html

Roseville. Two boys are believed to have set off fireworks and started a small grass fire in Mahany Park, near Pleasant Grove and Sun City boulevards. Firefighters found burnt fireworks at the scene. 1.7.2008

Source: "Boys ignite fire with fireworks", 3.7.2008, http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/1057975.html

Elm Mott firefighters battled a blaze twice after a 12-acre afternoon fire rekindled later in the evening. The fire was started by kids playing with fireworks. 2.7.2008

Source: "Police News: Grass fire", 4.7.2008, http://www.wacotrib.com/news/content/news/stories/2008/07/04/waccops5.html

Folsom. Five juveniles were cited after a two-alarm grass fire in the 400 block of Rockport Circle scorched 4 acres and burned a backyard wooden play structure. Authorities said the juveniles ignited the blaze while setting off "safe and sane" fireworks. 2.7.2008

Source: "Grass fire burns play structure", 3.7.2008, http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/1057973.html

Ithaca. It seems a wind blew during the 61^st annual Community Fireworks Show at Ithaca College, causing small fires and damage to at least one car. Fire officials said fireworks debris, floating south from the fireworks launch site, caused several brush fires about 10 p.m., including one on the grassy roof of the newly-opened Dorothy D. and Roy H. Park Center for Business and Sustainable Enterprise. 2.7.2008

Source: "Fireworks ignite small fires at IC", 4.7.2008, http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080704/NEWS01/807040344

Logan, Utah. Used fireworks placed inside a wooden fruit basket sparked a house fire at 80 N. 500 West that caused more than $100,000 in damage. The fire started in the garage, destroyed a car before spreading to the main part of the house and a home to the south. 2.7.2008

Source:

"Used fireworks spark Logan house fire", 2.7.2008, http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,700239982,00.html

"Fire guts Logan home", 3.7.2008, http://hjnews.townnews.com/articles/2008/07/03/news/news02.txt

"Logan house fire blamed on fireworks", 3.7.2008, http://www.abc4.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=2dc56de8-e741-4ef9-822c-18f48e7226fa

Loudoun County. A boy (8) suffered serious injuries when fireworks he was holding ignited his shirt. 2.7.2008

Source: "The Week that was: Firework injure child", 6.7.2008, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/03/AR2008070303438.html

Rush. A woman (24) is recovering after losing part of her hand in a fireworks explosion on Rush Mendon Rd. She had thought she was lighting a candle, but it was really an M-100, which is a large firework. When she had realized it was a firecracker, she tried to get it out of the house, but it exploded in her hand. 2.7.2008

Source: "Accidental fireworks explosion", 2.7.2008, http://www.whec.com/article/stories/S497179.shtml?cat=566

Thornton. Firefighters believe an early-morning blaze at an apartment complex at 10318 Woburn Keep was ignited by fireworks burned the outside of an apartment building. The fire was reported after evergreen bushes surrounding a building caught fire. Several cars in the parking lot were burned. The fire displaced 12 people from four apartments. 2.7.2008

Source:

"Fireworks believed to have ignited Thornton apartment blaze", 2.7.2008, http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_9769613 

"Fireworks may have started Thornton apartment fire", 2.7.2008, http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_9764612

Towards the end of the fireworks show at Paradise Casino, a low-flying firework landed in an area filled with brush and sparked a small fire that spread beyond the casino parking lot. 3.7.2008

Source: "Errant firework starts blaze at Paradise Casino", 3.7.2008, http://www.yumasun.com/news/casino_42755___article.html/paradise_fireworks.html

Bronson Township. Twelve horses were loose in a pasture when likely bottle-rockets were launched near their barn, bouncing off the roof of the building. The horses were spooked and ran wildly through the pasture. One of the horses suffered an injury to its legs and two horses injured hooves. Tenants renting a house on the property discharged the fireworks. 3.7.2008

Source: "Cops and Courts: Residents may face charges for discharging fireworks that scared horses", 11.7.2008, http://www.morningjournal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19844638&BRD=1699&PAG=461&dept_id=46371&rfi=6

Durant. Firefighters responded to a small grass fire in the 2700 block of Little John. According to a department report, children accidentally set the grass on fire by igniting fireworks. 3.7.2008

Source: "Firefighters extinguish fireworks fire", 3.7.2008, http://www.durantdemocrat.com/articles/2008/07/03/news/doc486cf57d4bfb2561625369.txt

Eastern Green County. A series of grass fires may have been sparked by someone shooting fireworks from a vehicle, firefighters say.

Witnesses said that at least some of the grass fires along U.S. 11E, Jockey Road, Clear Springs Road and Martin Road were started by "kids shooting a roman candle" from a moving car. 3.7.2008 

Source: "Several grass fires battled; possibly started by fireworks", 4.7.2008, http://www.greenevillesun.com/story/296198

Littleton. A couple's house on South Zephyr Street was damaged by fire. The fire was caused by eight illegal fireworks that landed in nearby shrubbery. Damage: between $10,000 and $20,000. 3.7.2008

Source: "Fireworks-fueled house fire could prompt arson charges", 5.7.2008, http://www.9news.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=95141&catid=346

Melbourne Beach. One person was taken to hospital with serious injuries to a finger after a fireworks accident. 3.7.2008

Source: "1 injured in fireworks explosion", 3.7.2008, http://www.local6.com/news/16786788/detail.html

Meredosia. Someone threw a "handful of firecrackers" into a garage in the 200 block of South Washington Street. A man inside the garage was reportedly working on a vehicle when the firecrackers landed and "almost caught a gas can on fire". 3.7.2008

Source: "Fourth fervor keeps local agencies busy", 5.7.2008, http://www.myjournalcourier.com/news/fourth_18868___article.html/agencies_fervor.html

Monticello, Central Illinois. Nine people were treated for minor injuries when stray shells from a fireworks display at Lodge Park landed in a crowd of thousands. Many of those injured suffered from ringing in their ears. 3.7.2008

Source:

"Fireworks mishap", 3.7.2008, http://illinoishomepage.net/content/fulltext/?cid=18481 

"Fireworks shells fall into crowd at Monticello", 4.7.2008, http://www.news-gazette.com/news/local/2008/07/04/fireworks_shells_fall_into_crowd_at_monticello

"9 injured in Monticello fireworks display", 4.7.2008, http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-fireworksinjuries,0,7442691.story 

"Stray shells at central Illinois fireworks show injure 9", 4.7.2008, http://www.rrstar.com/news/x390625352/Stray-shells-at-central-Illinois-fireworks-show-injure-9

Naperville. Investigators concluded the July 3 blaze, that erupted on the attached wooden deck of a two-story house at 2270 Woodland Circle in the Old Farm neighborhood and left a family of seven homeless, was unintentionally started by two boys lighting and tossing firecrackers. Damage was estimated at more than $75,000.

Source: "Kids with firecrackers blamed for house fire", 9.7.2008, http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/news/1048835,na10_fireweb_s1.article

Oildale. People were tampering with a bottle rocket in the 200 block of Hughes Avenue when it went off and hit a man (24) in the eye. He was taken to the hospital and officials say this may have cost him his eye. 3.7.2008

Source:

"Oildale man may lose eye from illegal firework", 3.7.2008, http://www.bakersfield.com/102/story/488951.html

"Oildale man playing with illegal fireworks, loses eye", 5.7.2008, http://www.bakersfieldnow.com/news/local/23179019.html

Lake Mohave in southern Nevada. The National Park Service says fireworks illegally shot off a houseboat were to blame for a two-acre wildfire at Opal Cove north of Cottonwood Cove. 3.7.2008

Source: 

"Fireworks touch off wildfire in southern Nevada", 4.7.2008, http://www.ktnv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8621675

"Fireworks touch off wildfire in southern Nevada", 4.7.2008, http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/jul/04/fireworks-touch-off-wildfire-in-southern-nevada/ 

"Houseboat fireworks touch off wildfire alongside Lake Mohave", 6.7.2008, http://www.mohavedailynews.com/articles/2008/07/06/news/local/local5.txt

"Fireworks blamed for Lake Mohave wildfire", 7.7.2008, http://www.fox5vegas.com/news/16809974/detail.html

Rochester, N.H. A man (21) was arrested after he lit a Roman Candle-type firework and fired it at a passing vehicle, that was an unmarked police cruiser, near the corner of Columbus Avenue and Dreyer Way. He got a charge of reckless conduct. 3.7.2008

Source:

"Rochester man charged after fireworks strike to unmarked cruiser", 5.7.2008, http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080705/GJNEWS_01/505503861/-1/FOSNEWS

"Rochester man arrested after fireworks hit unmarked cruiser", 7.7.2008, http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp?S=8626597&nav=4QcRELCl

Salinas. A stream of firecrackers thrown into a van at the 500 block of Terrace Avenue caused the vehicle to go up in flames. 3.7.2008

Source: "Firecrackers suspected in vehicle arson Thursday in Salinas", 4.7.2008, http://thecalifornian.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080704/NEWS01/80704006/1002

Webster. The owner of Buster's Resort was shooting off fireworks for a large crowd when a tube tipped over with a firecracker that they had lit. It tipped over and went into the shed that was filled with other fireworks. The owner was hurt and taken to hospital. 3.7.2008 

Source: "Firecracker sparks shed fire in Webster", 4.7.2008, http://www.ksfy.com/news/23295709.html

A fire at Clark Street and Vista Drive burned about 1 and a half acres of brush. A young man confessed to starting the fire by setting off illegal fireworks. 4.7.2008

Soure: "Fire started due to fireworks", 5.7.2008, http://www.kpvi.com/Global/story.asp?S=8621632&nav=menu546_1

Akron. About 1.30 a.m., a man (23) seriously injured his hand when he picked up a lit firework which was thrown into a group of people in the parking lot at Georgies Pub, 1312 Brittain Road. 4.7.2008

Source:

"Akron man injures hand", 5.7.2008, http://www.ohio.com/news/23373109.html 

"Akron man injured in fireworks incident", 5.7.2008, http://www.wkyc.com/news/regional/akron_article.aspx?storyid=92608&catid=6

Allentown. A malfunction at the city's Fourth of July fireworks display at J. Birney Crum stadium left an employee helping to set them off with arm burns. The fireworks display went awry when shells for the finale went off early. 4.7.2008

Source:

"Allentown fireworks worker injured during show", 4.7.2008, http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-fireworks,0,2757180.story 

"Worker injured during fireworks show in Allentown", 4.7.2008, http://wfmz.com/view/?id=293288

Amarillo. Eric Bryan asked two men not to pop fireworks on property that wasn't his. As later a fight started between the three, two of Bryan's friends came to his aid. That's when the main suspect stabbed Bryan's friends several times, one of them died later in hospital. 4.7.2008

Source:

"Fatal stabbing", 5.7.2008, http://myhighplains.com/content/fulltext/?cid=12381 

"Man dies in July 4 fight. Fireworks led to fatal stabbing", 6.7.2008, http://www.amarillo.com/stories/070608/new_10712795.shtml

Andover, Kansas. Something went wrong at a professional fireworks display at Terradyne Country Club near Central and 159^th Street East. There was a large explosion on the ground and a woman (40) was critically hurt. 4.7.2008

Source:

"More than a dozen injured with fireworks", 5.7.2008, http://www.wibw.com/kakeheadlines/headlines/23621044.html 

"Woman injured in fireworks accident in Andover", 5.7.2008, http://www.ksn.com/news/local/23610214.html

Arapahoe County. A 1-acre fire in open space near a home development between South Flanders Street and East Chenango Drive south of Quincy Reservoir: Firefighters say fireworks were found in the area and are believed to be the cause. 4.7.2008

Source:

"Wildfires feed on hot, dry weather", 4.7.2008, http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_9791023 

"Fires threaten homes in Colorado; fireworks blamed for some", 5.7.2008, http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=95124&catid=339 

"Firefighters: Fireworks started brush fire", 5.7.2008, http://www.9news.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=95125&catid=346

Bakersfield. Structure fire at a house in 827 Lomita: BFD Arson Unit investigating the fire determined that the cause was illegal fireworks. 4.7.2008

Source:

"Illegal fireworks burn two houses..", 7.7.2008, http://www.1bakersfield.com/news/read/2/152382 

"Illegal fireworks start house fire", 7.7.2008, http://www.bakersfield.com/102/story/489792.html

Barstow. A man (20) lit a Roman candle in the yard of a house on the 29000 block of Cochise Avenue, which caught the garage on fire. Damage: $10,000. 4.7.2008

Source: "Officials respond to fires, drunk drivers, over holiday weekend", 7.7.2008, http://www.desertdispatch.com/news/drivers_3766___article.html/weekend_drunk.html

Bay Area. At about 2 p.m., kids playing with firecrackers started a small grass fire on Kiska Road. 5.7.2008

Source: "Fireworks leave their mark in Bay Area", 5.7.2008, http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/local&id=6247568

Bayville, N.Y. At the beach off Ships Lane, hundreds of people were gathered around bonfires and watching fireworks displays. According to one witness, a group of kids passed by one fire and threw something inside – sending fireworks in different directions. One of the fireworks landed in a girl's (6) lap. The girl's skirt momentarily caught on fire. The girl suffered second-degree burns to her inner thighs and upper legs. She was in stable condition and expected to survive. 4.7.2008

Source:

"Fireworks accidents in Ohio and NY injure 4", 5.7.2008, http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jO980ZUZAwFFMP5HAaCq6QXWOpowD91NF7U80 

"Six-year-old Suffolk girl hurt by firework", 4.7.2008, http://www.newsday.com/news/local/ny-liburn0705,0,7787109.story

Beloit. A girl (11) was carrying around firecrackers in her pocket and was struck near her pocket either with a roman candle or something hot. The firecrackers exploded, causing third-degree burns to her leg and abdominal area. 4.7.2008

Source: "Girl injured by fireworks", 7.7.2008, http://www.beloitdailynews.com/articles/2008/07/07/news/local_news/news06.txt

Bensenville. A man spent 18 years restoring and customizing his 1989 Corvette. That all came to a flaming halt on the Fourth of July when errant illegal fireworks shot off by somebody in the neighborhood, landed in his car. The car is a total loss. Damage: around $25,000. 4.7.2008

Source: "Stray fireworks destroy Bensenville man's restored Corvette", 9.7.2008, http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=216425

Black Lake. An errant bottle rocket was shot into a pile of unlit fireworks on a dock at the Evergreen Shores Beach Club, injuring two men and a woman with minor burns. 4.7.2008

Source: "3 suffer burns from errant bottle rocket at Black Lake", 4.7.2008, http://www.theolympian.com/377/story/498316.html

West Boynton. A boy (8) was injured by fireworks at an informal Fourth of July celebration in the 9000 block of Saltwater Creek Court, Palm Beach County.

A group of people were setting off fireworks called "mortar rockets" in a cul-de-sac of the gated community off State Road 7 when one went off course and struck the boy in the stomach. The boy suffered burns. 4.7.2008

Source:

"West Boynton boy struck by firework", 5.7.2008, http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/sfl-0705boyfireworks,0,7381898.story

"Boy injured by fireworks in gated development", 5.7.2008, http://www.cbs12.com/news/fireworks_4708417___article.html/rushed_fire.html

South Buffalo. Illegal firecrackers landed on the roof of a house at 77 Sheffield Street. The fireworks sparked a fire in the attic. Damage: $10,000. 4.7.2008

Source: 

"Illegal fireworks burn 6-year-old and cause eye injury to 19-year-old", 5.7.2008, http://www.buffalonews.com/258/story/385560.html

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

Buffalo. A boy (6) and his uncle (19) were burned while watching illegal fireworks being set off in Willert Park. The boy suffered second-degree burns to his leg and the teen suffered an injury to one eye. It is not clear whether the teen would permanently lose his eye sight. 4.7.2008

Source: "Illegal fireworks burn 6-year-old and cause eye injury to 19-year-old", 5.7.2008, http://www.buffalonews.com/258/story/385560.html

Buford. At the Mall of Georgia Boulevard, falling embers from the fireworks display fell onto an open field behind the mall and started a fire that scorched an acre and a half of grass. 4.7.2008

Source: "Falling embers from fireworks start Mall of Ga. Grass fire", 5.7.2008, http://www.accessnorthga.com/detail.php?n=211312

Castle Rock. A fireworks display was called off after fallout from a professional show ignited a brush fire near the spectators. 4.7.2008

Source: 

"Brush fires force early end to fireworks display", 5.7.2008, http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/16798603/detail.htm

"Fireworks shows cut short after professional displays start fire", 5.7.2008, http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=95139&provider=top

Castle Rock. A man (46) was arrested on July 4, 2008, on suspicion of felony menacing, possession of a weapon by a previous offender and violation of a restraining order, after he had pointed a loaded revolver at about 40 neighbors in the 5600 block of Spruce Avenue, whom he was threatening to kill because of fireworks and noise.

Source: "Blotter: Man threatens neighbors with loaded gun", 8.7.2008, http://denver.yourhub.com/CastleRock/Stories/News/Crime/Story~493418.aspx

Chadron, Neb. A girl (3) was