Thursday, July 2, 2026
17 check-insThis Week's Question
“If a fireworks-related injury happened near you, how would you assist — and do you have any sort of plan in place if an incident were to occur?”
Fireworks Safety — Prevention, Planning, and First Response
With the Fourth of July approaching, fireworks will be a common part of celebrations across Macomb County. Fireworks can be a fun tradition, but they also create real and fast-moving hazards: burns, eye injuries, uncontrolled fires, and unpredictable low-level explosions when something fails or tips over. Injuries can happen in seconds and often close to the ground, right where people are standing.
As communicators and public service operators, thinking through these scenarios beforehand is second nature to us. Tonight's topic is fireworks safety: what dangers to watch for, how to reduce risk before anything happens, and what to do if something does go wrong nearby.
Key Areas to Think Through
Safer Ignition Practices
Avoid leaning directly over a firework when lighting it. Use something that gives you more distance from the fuse — a punk, utility lighter, or propane wand lighter keeps your hands, face, and eyes farther from the ignition point. Light one item at a time and move away promptly. If a firework fails to ignite or behaves unexpectedly, do not approach it right away. Wait at least several minutes before carefully soaking it with water.
Safe Storage
Keep unused fireworks well away from the launch area and only bring out what you're about to use. A firework that tips, bursts low, or throws sparks in the wrong direction should not be able to reach your full supply. Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from houses, garages, vehicles, grills, fire pits, and anything else that could ignite. Staging the whole supply next to an active launch area is one of the most common ways a small incident becomes a large one.
Eye and Body Protection
Safety glasses are a good idea for anyone who is relatively close — including spectators. People tend to think about burns first, but eye injuries from fireworks can be life-changing and are frequently underestimated. Closed-toe shoes are better than sandals around an active launch area. Keep children and bystanders farther back than you think you need. When in doubt, add more distance.
Hazards to Watch For
Fireworks that tip over before launch. Items that fail to go up and burst low near bystanders. Misfires that tempt someone to approach too soon. Hot debris landing on dry grass, mulch, roofs, or debris piles. Secondary ignition near stored items. Alcohol-impaired judgment around ignition and handling — a common factor in fireworks incidents that rarely gets discussed beforehand.
Basic Incident Response
If something goes wrong:
- Stop the hazard first if you can safely do so — then focus on the injured person.
- Call 911 for any serious injury, eye injury, hand injury, major burn, uncontrolled bleeding, breathing problem, or fire spreading to property.
- For burns: cool with cool running water for 10–20 minutes. Do not use ice, butter, or anything else.
- For eye injuries: do not rub the eye or attempt to remove embedded debris. Cover loosely and get professional help immediately.
- For serious bleeding: apply firm, direct pressure with a clean cloth if it is safe to do so.
- Keep people away from any remaining unexploded fireworks. Do not let curiosity override caution.
Questions to Ask Yourself
Here are some more key questions you can ask yourself to determine your capability to deal with an incident:
Do you keep any safety gear nearby when fireworks are being used — water bucket, garden hose, fire extinguisher, safety glasses, or a first aid kit?
What is one simple change that makes a fireworks setup meaningfully safer without making it complicated or less enjoyable?
If a firework misfired or failed to launch, how long would you wait before approaching it — and what would you do next?
Fireworks Safety Resources
Want to dig deeper? These organizations publish trusted, up-to-date guidance on safe fireworks handling, storage, and injury prevention:
Guides & Safe Practices
- NFPA — Fireworks Safety National Fire Protection Association: statistics, safety tips, and why leaving displays to the professionals matters.
- National Safety Council — Fireworks Practical do's and don'ts for consumer fireworks, sparklers, and keeping kids and bystanders safe.
- Prevent Blindness — Fireworks Eye Safety Focused on preventing the eye injuries we highlighted above — protective eyewear and what to do if an injury occurs.
- State of Michigan (LARA) — Fireworks Michigan Bureau of Fire Services: state fireworks law, local ordinance rules, and when consumer fireworks are permitted.
Local rules vary. Always check your city or township ordinance for the specific days and hours consumer fireworks are allowed in your area.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
The same mindset we bring to public service events and emergency activations applies here: think through what could go wrong before it does, have a basic plan, keep the right gear within reach, and know when to call for help. Fireworks incidents often happen quickly and in front of crowds. Having even a rough plan — where the hose is, who calls 911, where to move bystanders — puts you in a much better position than most people around you. That kind of preparation is exactly what we practice in ARPSC.
Check-In List
| # | Call Sign | Unit # | Name | City | Member |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | N8HLY | 12 | Tom | Sterling Heights | Member |
| 2 | KE8WUO | 20 | John | Warren | Member |
| 3 | N8CAF | 26 | Cliff | Clinton Township | — |
| 4 | N8VDZ | 2 | Mike | Warren | Member |
| 5 | KF8ETQ | 23 | Darren | Fraser | Member |
| 6 | KC8KJO | 14 | Tom | Memphis | Member |
| 7 | N8KJV | 38 | Jason | Warren | — |
| 8 | AD8MP | 35 | David | Saint Clair Shores | — |
| 9 | K8JTA | 31 | Jason | Saint Clair Shores | — |
| 10 | N8WCB | 6 | Dave | Sterling Heights | Member |
| 11 | WA4MLD | 18 | Ray | Warren | Member |
| 12 | KF8FGS | 32 | David | Utica | — |
| 13 | K8WA | 19 | Bill | Warren | Member |
| 14 | KE8YNU | 1 | Dave | New Haven | — |
| 15 | N8WRO | 10 | Tim | Richmond | — |
| 16 | N8XZ | 5 | Ron | Warren | Member |
| 17 | K8ACW | 46 | Art | Utica | Member |