07/01/2026
Glastonbury Fire reminds its residents of fireworks rules and safety tips. Celebrate 250 Years of Freedom, safely
This weekend will be no ordinary Independence Day, as America turns 250. However, Glastonbury Fire is asking its residents to celebrate with joy and with care.
Know the Law: What’s Legal in Connecticut
Connecticut law permits the use of sparklers and fountains only for consumer use. However, aerial fireworks, firecrackers, Roman candles, and other exploding devices are illegal for private use in Connecticut. Violating these laws can result in fines and penalties. If you’re unsure whether something is legal, don’t light it.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Fireworks Injuries Are Real
Each year, first responders nationwide respond to fires and injuries that could have been prevented. This weekend, and throughout the summer, Glastonbury Fire is asking its residents to remember that the law exists to protect you and your neighbors. Fireworks are dangerous.
Last year, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported the following statistics:
• An estimated 13,000 people were treated in U.S. emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries in 2025 alone.
• 15 people died from fireworks-related injuries in 2025, most involving misuse or device malfunctions.
• Burns were the most common injury, accounting for 38% of all emergency room visits.
• Hands and fingers (35%) and the head, face, and ears (22%) were the most frequently injured body parts.
• In 2023, fireworks started an estimated 32,302 fires nationally, causing $142 million in direct property damage.
• Sparklers alone accounted for approximately 1,300 emergency room visits in 2025 — a reminder that even “small” fireworks carry real risk.
Safety Tips for Sparklers and Fountains
If you choose to use sparklers or fountains this holiday, please take the following precautions:
• Check the fire danger rating before lighting anything outdoors. If fire danger is elevated in your area, skip the sparklers entirely. Dry conditions can cause small sparks to ignite rapidly.
• Always use sparklers and fountains outdoors in a clear, open area away from structures, vehicles, and dry vegetation.
• Never hand sparklers to young children. Sparklers burn at up to 2,000°F — hot enough to cause serious burns instantly.
• Have water ready at all times. Keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby.
• Soak all spent and unused materials thoroughly. After use, place all sparkler sticks and fountain debris in a bucket of water and soak until completely cool before disposing in the trash. Debris that feels cool can still be dangerously hot inside.
• Clean up completely. Collect all debris from your celebration area. Stray sparkler wires and fountain casings can be a hazard to people, animals, and mowers.
• Never attempt to relight a dud. If a fountain or sparkler fails to ignite, wait 20 minutes, then soak it in water before discarding.
For families with young children, consider these fun and completely fire-free alternatives that still bring the festive spirit:
• Glow sticks — light up the night safely, in every color of the rainbow.
• Silly string — colorful, chaotic, and completely harmless.
• Attend a local professional fireworks display — the best seat in the house, with zero cleanup required!
