Top firework safety tips for the holiday weekend

As America celebrates its 249th birthday on Friday, Albuquerque residents will participate in the long-standing tradition of barbecuing, spending time with family and inevitably lighting fireworks, sparklers and more.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 11 reported firework-related deaths in 2024. Most of those deaths were connected to either misuse or malfunctions. The Journal spoke to James Fuller, national safety expert with TNT Fireworks and former Roswell volunteer firefighter. Here are his top tips to stay safe while celebrating this weekend:

Use fireworks as they are intended, legally

First, Fuller urged folks to buy consumer grade legal fireworks and ensure they are following appropriate laws and regulations of the area where their show may be. The city of Albuquerque restricts the sale and use of aerial fireworks and ground audible devices. Additionally, firework displays are “strictly prohibited” in the bosque or open space areas.

Aerial devices include roman candles, shells, aerial spinners and helicopters. Ground audible devices include bottle rockets and firecrackers, according to the Albuquerque Fire and Rescue website. Residents can tell the difference between the two by the warning label. Products labeled with “WARNING” are illegal in Albuquerque City Limits, while those labeled “CAUTION” are legal to buy and use within city limits.

Act responsibly

For those using a reloadable device on grass, Fuller recommends using bricks, rocks or even sandbags to keep the it level and avoid a misfire. Additionally, green grass is better, though pavement or gravel is best for places to ignite fireworks. Only one person should light one firework at a time.

Additionally, Fuller said to take caution with children using sparklers. Parents or guardians should make sure that the child understands that the sparkler, which burns up to 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit, can burn them. If they are too young to understand the danger, they are too young for fireworks, he said.

“Be responsible. That means you never hold a lit firework, never point a lit firework at anybody,” Fuller said. “Don’t be that guy. Never put (a reloadable device) anywhere near your body.”

Don’t relit “duds” or fireworks that did not fire. It is best to store them away from flammables. Consumers who bought them from a TNT store may exchange them, Fuller said.

Finally, Fuller said to keep an eye on pets. Fireworks are loud and can stress animals. Courteous neighbors will let those with pets know they are setting off fireworks. Fuller recommends placing the pet in a crate or quiet room with dim lights and ambient noise.

Have water nearby

After every firework, users should douse the device in water before disposing of it in a proper container. Fuller recommends keeping a water hose or a five-gallon bucket of water nearby.

Using these tips could allow for residents to celebrate the holiday weekend safely, Fuller said.

“If you're in an area that is unsafe for consumer fireworks, go to (a professional show),” Fuller said.”We all love the Fourth of July but we have to take care of this great state.”