Fargo-area officials warn of July Fourth fireworks risks

FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) - Fire and medical officials in the Fargo-Moorhead area are urging people to use extra caution with fireworks over the Fourth of July holiday, warning that celebrations can quickly lead to fires and serious injuries.

From sparklers to bottle rockets to large mortar kits, fireworks remain a popular way to mark Independence Day with family and friends. West Fargo Fire Inspector Darin Underhill said crews expect to be busy.

“This time of year gets busy, people celebrating America’s birthday. The 250th especially is going to be big on a Saturday night,” Underhill said. “We just want people to be safe with those. Not only using them, but disposing of them properly, as well.”

Underhill said used fireworks should be placed in a noncombustible container, such as a metal garbage can, filled with water and soaked overnight before being thrown away in the regular trash the next day.

“Always have a water source available,” he said. “If you even suspect it’s going to get out of control, call 911. That’s what we’re here for.”

Fire and medical crews say they have treated a wide range of fireworks injuries, including fingers blown off, fireworks embedded in limbs, severe burns and eye injuries. Last year, fireworks turned deadly in Mahnomen County, Minnesota, when a 13-year-old boy died after being struck in the chest. Authorities said he was holding a large firework and pointing it away from himself when it was lit, and it fired through the bottom of the tube.

“There are no safe fireworks,” said Joseph Halverson, a nurse practitioner with Essentia Health. “The safest fireworks are the ones that are operated by professionals. Even simple things like sparklers burn with thousands of degrees.”

For minor burns or small injuries, Halverson said people should use clean, cool water, keep the area clean and watch it closely.

“It’s always better to ask the question than to not,” he said. “Situations that would warrant an emergency room visit in particular would be circumstances where people are having significant bleeding, there is loss of limb, there is trouble breathing, burns to the vision or face or hands.”

Essentia Health officials say their walk-in clinics in Fargo-Moorhead will be open through the holiday weekend for people who need non-emergency care. The clinics are open until 7:30 p.m. Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and from noon to 4:30 p.m. Sunday.

From July 1 through July 7, 2024, Essentia treated four burn patients and one eye injury related to fireworks. During the same period this year, providers saw one hand injury and one eye injury. Halverson said fireworks-related injuries appear to be slowly decreasing year over year, but alcohol-related accidents around the holiday remain a major concern.

State law requires people to be at least 12 years old to use fireworks. Experts also say anyone who has been drinking alcohol should not be the person lighting them. Illegal use can lead to fireworks being confiscated or a fine, though officers generally must see someone light them in order to issue a ticket.

Officials urge residents to check their city ordinances before using fireworks. Many cities only allow fireworks on July 4 from 8 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.

Paper luminaries, also known as sky lanterns, are illegal in the state because they can travel long distances and pose a significant fire risk when they come down, officials said.