This July 4, Spark Joy — Not Amateur Fireworks
Firework injuries in 2024 in New York City increased from prior years.
In 2024, there were 45 fireworks-related emergency department visits compared to an annual average of 33 between 2017 and 2023.
July 2, 2025 — The New York City Health Department wishes all New Yorkers a happy and safe July 4 holiday. We remind everyone to put safety first and leave the fireworks displays to the professionals. In New York City in 2024, there were 45 emergency department visits due to fireworks injuries. Fireworks can cause severe burns and other damage to the eyes, head, face, hands, and more. Consumer fireworks are illegal in New York City.
“Spend the holiday weekend with friends and family—not in an emergency room with injuries from fireworks,” said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse. “New York City’s iconic July 4th fireworks displays are an experience known worldwide – but technical experts build and launch them. Keep your friends and loved ones safe by leaving fireworks to the professionals this July 4th.”
In 2024, there were 45 fireworks-related emergency department visits in New York City, compared with an annual average of 33 from 2017 to 2023. In 2024, the days around the July 4th holiday accounted for two-thirds of all fireworks-related emergency department visits. In 2024, 73% of these visits were among males, and one-third were among 15–24-year-olds. However, fireworks-related emergency department visits occurred among many ages — from 6 to 55 years old. These figures are estimates based on NYC Health’s emergency department Syndromic Surveillance system.
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MEDIA CONTACT: PressOffice@health.nyc.gov