Ahead of the Fourth of July weekend, the Washington State Fire Marshal’s Office released data on fireworks-related injuries and fires from 2021.
In 2021, the office recorded 180 fireworks-related incidents reported by hospitals, clinics and fire departments across the state. Of those 180 incidents, 70 resulted in injuries, and 23 of those injuries were due to someone being hit by fireworks, and 19 were classified as burns.
Last year, there were 110 fires that occurred due to fireworks and caused an estimated $122,000 in damage, according to the office. The vast majority of fireworks-related incidents last year occurred on the Fourth of July.
If you plan on lighting fireworks this Fourth of July, the Fire Marshal’s Office recommends only buying legal fireworks and keeping water nearby.