Are fireworks legal in your state?

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The Fourth of July is synonymous with patriotic celebrations and festivities and one of the main forms of entertainment to commemorate the country’s declaration of independence is fireworks.

While they are mesmerizing to watch and just downright fun to light up, they can also be very dangerous.

Data collected by the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission (CPSC) National Injury Information Clearinghouse (NEISS) found that in 2023, eight deaths and an estimated 9,700 injuries involving fireworks were reported.

Some states have even outlawed them for consumer use because not only can they be dangerous if not handled properly, but they can also lead to other disastrous consequences such as fires.

So before you light up the night this July 4th, be sure you have a solid understanding of your state’s fireworks laws.

File: Fireworks for sale at a store in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, US, on Saturday, June 25, 2022. (Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

2024 fireworks control laws by state

It’s worth noting that each state may have its own specific rules when it comes to purchasing, selling or using fireworks.

Also, fireworks are not limited to just the types that fly into the air and explode. There are also firecrackers, sparklers, Roman candles and many more.

For example, in New York state, only sparkling devices (or sparklers) are legal for customers to use, however they are not legal in New York City or on Long Island.

In California, depending on the city or county in which you reside, fireworks could be illegal, especially since there is a risk of sparking a wildfire.

However, California’s "Safe and Sane" fireworks are permitted in certain areas and must have an official seal. Only licensed retailers can sell these types of fireworks, according to FOX 11 Los Angeles.

The American Pyrotechnics Association compiled data based on whether a state’s fireworks laws followed federal regulations.

Cities and counties could have their own rules. Be sure to double-check your local regulations before purchasing fireworks.

Fireworks safety tips

Before partaking in the patriotic festivities this week, be sure to consider some of these fireworks safety tips to avoid getting hurt, as provided by the CPSC.

Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks alone, and that includes sparklers.
Ensure the fireworks you are using are legal in your area.
Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby just in case of a fire or accident.
Light fireworks one at a time and be sure to give plenty of space for the fireworks to go off.
Do not try to re-ignite or pick up fireworks that did not ignite fully.
Avoid using fireworks when impaired by alcohol or drugs.

FILE - Fireworks go off above the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and the US Capitol during an Independence Day fireworks display in Washington D.C., United States on July 4, 2023. (Mehmet Eser/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

FOX 5 New York and FOX 11 Los Angeles contributed to this report. This story was reported from Los Angeles.

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