Please observe and consider the following safety tips during this national celebration:
We want everyone to be safe and encourage parents to closely supervise any use of fireworks
Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don’t realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.
Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
Never use fireworks near flammable or combustible materials
Keep a bucket of water, garden hose or fire extinguisher handy in case of fire or other mishap.
Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
Other tips
Be considerate of neighbors, animals, etc. when using fireworks
Clean up debris from ignited fireworks
Use only legal fireworks
Laws
Minnesota statutes include the following restrictions:
Legal fireworks can only be used on private property, not on city streets, parks, etc.
Fireworks that explode or shoot into the air are illegal.
Most violations of the fireworks laws are misdemeanors. Adults and juveniles can be cited for violations.
Fourth of July driving safety
Fourth of July weekend is also a time we encourage people to drive safely and not drink and drive. Traffic citations, traffic crashes, and crash-related injuries and deaths are often high on the 4th of July weekend. Please obey traffic laws and plan for a sober driver.
More resources
Additional information regarding fireworks safety and Minnesota Statutes.