CHICAGO (June 30, 2026) – As the nation prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of the Fourth of July, millions of families will gather to celebrate one of the country’s most enduring traditions. The American Burn Association (ABA) is reminding the public that fireworks remain one of the leading causes of preventable burn injuries during the summer months, with emergency departments and burn centers consistently reporting predictable seasonal spikes around Independence Day celebrations.
Fireworks-related injuries follow a predictable seasonal pattern each year, with burn centers typically seeing a sharp increase in cases during the July Fourth holiday period. These injuries often occur in seconds and can result in severe burns, hand injuries, and, in some cases, surgical intervention or long-term functional loss. Many injured patients are bystanders or children, underscoring the importance of prevention-focused public awareness.
Each July, burn centers across the country treat patients with injuries ranging from painful hand burns to life-changing trauma requiring surgery, skin grafts, and even amputations. A single-center study published in the Journal of Burn Care & Research (JBCR) found that approximately half of fireworks-related burn patients required surgical treatment, despite most injuries involving less than 5% total body surface area (JBCR, DOI: 10.1093/jbcr/iraa024.333). The hand was the most commonly injured body region, accounting for nearly 80% of cases, and incidents frequently involved illegal fireworks and affected both users and bystanders.
Recent findings published in the JBCR also demonstrate that structured, coordinated prevention efforts can strengthen community response to seasonal burn risks. Using the ABA’s Burn Prevention Framework, a multi-organization collaboration launched in 2024 brought together hospitals, fire services, schools, and community partners to align prevention messaging and outreach during peak fireworks season.
Over two years, the number of participating organizations increased from 15 to 22, with greater reporting across hospitals and urgent care centers. During this period, reported injuries decreased from 66 to 44, alongside expanded public education efforts in schools, fire service programs, and community venues. These findings demonstrate the feasibility and potential effectiveness of coordinated, mechanism-specific prevention strategies in reducing the burden of seasonal burn injuries (JBCR, https://doi.org/10.1093/jbcr/irag033.450).
"Every year, burn teams see a predictable surge in fireworks-related injuries during the Fourth of July period," said David Harrington, MD, president-elect, ABA and burn center director, Rhode Island Hospital. "As communities mark the 250th anniversary of Independence Day, we want celebrations to remain both safe and memorable.”
While many people associate serious injuries with large aerial fireworks, prevention data consistently show that even sparklers contribute to a significant portion of pediatric burns during holiday celebrations. Sparklers can burn at temperatures approaching 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to cause severe burns, particularly in young children (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Fireworks Safety Guidance).
According to the ABA’s Burn Injury Summary Report, nearly half of burn injuries are caused by flame or flash burns (46%), and the overwhelming majority of burn injuries are accidental (94%). These findings reinforce the importance of prevention and safe practices during holidays when fireworks are commonly used. Prevention remains the most effective way to reduce injuries during this predictable seasonal surge.
If a Burn Occurs
If someone is burned:
If someone is burned:
- Cool the burn with clean, cool (not cold) running water for 20 minutes.
- Remove rings, watches, or other tight items from the injured area before swelling occurs.
- Cover the burn loosely with a clean cloth.
- Seek immediate medical care for burns involving the face, hands, feet, genital area, major joints, or for burns that appear deep or extensive.
For additional burn-prevention resources and first-aid information, visit:
About the American Burn Association
The American Burn Association (ABA) is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by burn injuries through advocacy, education, research, and prevention. Founded in 1967, the ABA supports burn care professionals and organizations and works to advance the quality of burn care worldwide. For more information, visit ameriburn.org
The American Burn Association (ABA) is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by burn injuries through advocacy, education, research, and prevention. Founded in 1967, the ABA supports burn care professionals and organizations and works to advance the quality of burn care worldwide. For more information, visit ameriburn.org
