Fireworks are a timeless part of summer celebrations—from the Fourth of July to backyard barbecues. But while they bring beauty to the sky, fireworks can pose a serious risk to your hands, fingers, and other parts of the body if not handled safely. At Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee, our orthopaedic specialists see firsthand how quickly a moment of fun can turn into a trip to urgent care—or worse.

Fireworks injuries are more common than you think. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 10,000 fireworks-related injuries were treated in emergency departments in 2023, with nearly 30% involving hands and fingers. Burns, lacerations, fractures, and even amputations can occur from improper handling, unexpected explosions, or misfired devices.

“In orthopaedics, we often treat injuries to the upper extremities that happen when people underestimate the power of fireworks,” says Dr. Todd Wurth, orthopaedic hand surgeon at Bone and Joint Institute. “Hand injuries can be complex—especially when there’s damage to bones, tendons, or nerves. Recovery can take weeks or months and may involve surgery, therapy, and long-term rehabilitation.”

While sparklers may seem harmless, they can reach temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt metal. Children are particularly at risk for burns and eye injuries when fireworks are not used under close adult supervision.

Fireworks Safety Tips to Avoid Orthopaedic Injuries

To enjoy the season without injury, consider these fireworks safety tips from our orthopaedic team:

Leave it to the pros

• Attend professional fireworks displays instead of lighting your own at home.

Use legal fireworks only

• Follow local laws and safety instructions on all devices.

Wear protective gear

• Use eye protection and avoid loose clothing that can catch fire.

Keep a safe distance

• Light fireworks one at a time and never lean over them. Back up immediately after lighting.

Don’t relight duds

• Wait 20 minutes, then soak the misfired firework in water before disposing.

Supervise children at all times

• Even sparklers can cause serious burns when mishandled.

Have water nearby

• Always keep a bucket of water or hose close for emergencies.

Avoid alcohol when handling fireworks

• Impaired judgment increases the risk of injury.

If an injury does occur, seek immediate medical attention—especially for burns, deep cuts, or trauma to the hands or limbs. Bone and Joint Institute’s urgent care clinics are equipped to evaluate orthopaedic injuries quickly and efficiently.

“Fireworks can be enjoyed safely with proper planning and common sense,” adds Dr. Wurth. “The goal is to have a great time without an avoidable injury that could change your summer—or your life.”

Stay Safe This Summer

Celebrating responsibly ensures that you, your family, and your guests stay safe while enjoying the traditions of summer. If you have questions about hand or upper extremity injuries, or if you need care after an incident, the team at Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee is here to help. And as a reminder, the Emergency Room and EMS teams with Williamson Health are open and operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year should you need immediate assistance.