Fire department gives safety precautions for 4th of July celebration

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Fourth of July is all about celebrating the United States’ Independence and Freedom. But, for some citizens, the night could end with a trip to the hospital or worse.

Shelby County Fire Department Public Information Officer Brent Perkins says the days surrounding the Fourth of July are the department’s busiest time of year due to the illegal and improper use of fireworks.

“People develop the ‘it won’t happen to me’ attitude,” Perkins said. “We see burns. We see missing digits. We see eye injuries.”

Perkins says fireworks are illegal to use or sell in unincorporated Shelby County unless you have a permit or license.

Inside the Memphis city limits it’s illegal to sell fireworks. But you can use only Class C fireworks if you don’t have a permit.

Class C fireworks include Roman candles, bottle rockets, and firecrackers.

According to a 2023 report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission , teens under the age of 15 made up 31% of firework-related injuries in the U.S.

42% of all emergency department-treated, firework-related injuries nationwide were for burns.

If you do plan on igniting fireworks, the CPSC offers these tips:

• Never allow children to play with fireworks or sparklers.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully ignited.
• And never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs

Perkins encourages everyone to leave the fireworks to the professionals.

“And plus keep in mind, we haven’t had a significant rain in a little while. A lot of dry grasses and a lot of things that could catch on fire,” Perkins said.

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If you’re still wanting to see a fireworks display with your friends and family, Perkins suggests that you visit one of the numerous professional fireworks shows that will be taking place this week across the mid-south. One of those shows will be happening tonight from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Liberty Park.

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