UAB burn surgeon warns of dangers with improper fireworks use

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) – Emergency rooms and burn units at hospitals are bracing for a busy weekend. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the number of fireworks injuries and fireworks deaths in 2024 were up from 2023.

“The general rule is use a little common sense and be careful,” said Dr. James Hwang, a burn and trauma surgeon at UAB Hospital.

Many people celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks and sparklers. While they’re a lot of fun and pretty to look at, they can also hurt you. Dr. Hwang says fireworks injuries can range from embarrassment to losing fingers or hands and even life-threatening injuries.

“If you want to ruin your holiday weekend and spend up to 12 hours packed into an uncomfortable ER seat,” he said. “Please, be careful out there.”

Hwang has worked through 25 Fourth of July holiday weekends. He says he sees a lot of regret each year.

“There are always injuries which you would rather not explain to your boss or your mother or your kids on Monday morning,” he said. “If it doesn’t sound like a good idea, don’t do it. A lot of our accidents are compounded by alcohol, so if you’re not safe to go get behind the wheel of a car, you probably shouldn’t be shooting off fireworks either.”

Dr. Hwang says the majority of firework injuries over the holiday weekend happen because people are not using them safely.

“Not all fireworks are quality controlled like we had hoped, and oftentimes the fuses can go off very quickly, so we ask people again, always be careful. Inspect your fireworks, read the instructions before you use them,” Hwang said. “If you have a dud firework or it doesn’t seem to be right, please dispose of it properly. You should always have a bucket of water that if a firework doesn’t go off, don’t try to relight it, just throw it in the bucket of water. Having a fire extinguisher is always helpful as well.”

Hwang says sparklers are not safe alternatives to fireworks. He says it can cause eye injuries, as well as finger and hand burns.

“Most injuries to children are from sparklers. Those things can burn at up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. They can melt metal,” he said. “If you wouldn’t trust the child with a vehicle or car, don’t trust them with something that has the potential for so much damage.”

Dr. Hwang has a list of “nevers” people should keep in mind when setting off fireworks:

• Never shoot or throw fireworks at other people or animals.
• Never set off a firework indoors.
• Never combine a firework with combustible liquid.
• Never aim a firework at something flammable.