Environmental Health

When fireworks “Oooohs and Ahhhhs” turn to “Arghhh” and “Owww”

Jul. 2, 2025

By Mary Wade Burnside

The Fourth of July weekend is a time to gather together, play, grill out, have fun and watch fireworks. For many, it’s a highlight of summer.

Fireworks help make the Fourth of July special. However, when it comes to individuals putting them off in residential areas, they can be a delight to those using them but a nuisance to neighbors and their pets. They also can harm people, start fires and even cause death.

For 2023, the Consumer Product Safety Commission received reports of eight deaths and an estimated 9,700 injuries involving fireworks. Out of the eight deaths, five were associated with firework misuse, two with a device malfunction and one involved unknown circumstances.

Also, according to the National Safety Council, fireworks typically start 19,000 fires each year. Setting them off during periods of high temperatures and dry weather also is more conducive to fires, and adding in high winds can make fire spread more rapidly.

Here are tips to follow when using fireworks:

Never use illegal fireworks.
Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
Older children should use them only under close adult supervision.
Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.
Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands.
Never light fireworks indoors.
Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material.
Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.
Never ignite devices in a container.
Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.
Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire.

So what are illegal fireworks in the city of Morgantown? You can access this information in the city code on Morgantown’s website, morgantownwv.gov. Hover over the “Government” heading, click on “City Code” and then search for fireworks, under section 545.10.

While it’s not unexpected that some fireworks will still be popping in Morgantown neighborhoods after hours, keep in mind that your neighbors probably don’t want to hear loud crackling noises outside their bedrooms at, say, 12:45 in the morning.

Fireworks also impact pets, especially dogs, cats and horses. Fireworks can frighten them and if they escape from their homes, it’s not a good night for them to be out and about. If your pet or pets get scared when the fireworks start flying, it’s recommended to check with your veterinarian well before the holiday to employ their help with behavioral therapy or medication that can calm them down.

In the meantime, the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends that dogs and cats wear collars and that their owners get them microchipped. Also, have current photos of your pets just in case.

Be sure they are safely enclosed if you have guests over and keep them away from any fireworks and grills.

In addition to firework safety, preparedness is another topic important on the Fourth of July. There are several obvious reasons for that — a fully-stocked first aid kit is handy to have for minor fireworks injuries, falls, bicycle crashes, etc.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that barbecue season also makes it easier to get out and meet your neighbors. Knowing the people who live close to you can be vital not only during a disaster that may or may not occur, but also during a routine power outage.

And when you know your neighbors, it might make it easier to talk to them if their fireworks are impeding your peace and feeling of safety.

Mary Wade Burnside is the Public Information Officer at Monongalia County Health Department.