- Author
- Hall, J. R., Jr.
- Title
- Fireworks.
- Coporate
- National Fire Protection Association, Quincy, MA
- Keywords
- firework accidents | fire statistics | injuries | death | children | NFIRS | NEISS | risks | nightclubs | nightclubs
- Identifiers
- size of fireworks problem; characteristics of injuries by fireworks; risks of private fireworks use; data sources; how national etimates are calculated; Station Nightclub (Concert), West Warwick, Rhode Island (RI), February 20, 2003
- Abstract
- In 2004, 9,600 fireworks-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms. The trend in fireworks-related injuries has been mostly up since 1996, with a sharp spike in 2000-2001, primarily due to celebrations around the advent of a new millennium. The highest injury rates were for children aged 5 to 9, only slightly higher than the rates for children aged 10 to 14 and individuals aged 15 to 19. In 2004, five out of six (85%) emergency room fireworks injuries involved fireworks that Federal regulations permit consumers to use. The risk of fire death relative to exposure shows fireworks as the riskiest consumer product. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: In 2004, 9,600 fireworks-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms. The trend in fireworks-related injuries has been mostly up since 1996, with a sharp spike in 2000-2001, primarily due to celebrations around the advent of a new millennium. Injuries were higher in 1984-1995 than in recent years but lower in the mid-1970s and earlier. In 2003, an estimated 2,300 reported structure or vehicle fires started by fireworks. These fires resulted in 5 reported civilian deaths, 60 civilian injuries, and $58 million in direct property damage. In 2003, 100 people were killed in a Rhode Island nightclub fire ignited by the indoor use of pyrotechnics in a small, crowded room with wall linings that promoted rapid flame spread. The facility had no sprinkler protection. These deaths were not included in the national estimates. In 1998-2002, 8 people per year were killed in fires started by fireworks, while 6 people per year were killed directly by fireworks. As in most years, the majority of victims of fireworks injuries in 2004 were under age 20. The highest injury rates were for children aged 5 to 9, only slightly higher than the rates for children aged 10 to 14 and individuals aged 15 to 19. Males accounted for nearly three-fourths (75%) of fireworks injuries. In 2004, five out of six (85%) emergency room fireworks injuries involved fireworks that Federal regulations permit consumers to use. The risk of fire death relative to exposure shows fireworks as the riskiest consumer product. Federal regulations permit consumers to use. The risk of fire death relative to exposure shows fireworks as the riskiest consumer product.