ATF Reminder for Fireworks Safety

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the fireworks industry are committed to the safety of fireworks users and those who attend fireworks displays. During this Fourth of July holiday season ATF is asking fireworks industry members to be even more vigilant in identifying and preventing the distribution of overloaded or otherwise unlawful or dangerous fireworks devices. See the Acting Director’s Open Letter to All Fireworks Licensees and Permittees.

Over the past 20 years, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) have detained or seized more than 462 million hazardous fireworks at entry points throughout the country. Some of these are mislabeled as consumer fireworks in an attempt to bypass importation requirements as well as Federal, State and local regulations governing the sale of these items. Despite the efforts of law enforcement, these mislabeled items are still occasionally transported and sold illegally in the U.S. and thus pose a threat to both consumers and law enforcement personnel who may come in contact with these explosives products.

The CPSC estimates that there were 9,200 emergency room-treated, fireworks related injuries in 2006. Nearly 70 percent of these injuries occurred around the Fourth of July time period. ATF would like to remind fireworks users that all fireworks are potentially dangerous and should be used only as directed by the manufacturer. Professional display fireworks should only be handled by only trained explosives licensees or permittees.

Homemade explosives devices, such as cherry bombs, sparkler bombs and “M” type explosive devices (known as an M-80, M-100, quarter sticks, etc.), are illegal to manufacture or distribute. These devices are unstable explosive items that pose a serious safety hazard. Everyone should be especially cautious when encountering fireworks that appear homemade, suspicious or improperly marked.

If you know or suspect someone is illegally trafficking in overloaded or otherwise unlawful or dangerous fireworks devices, please contact local law enforcement immediately. ATF can be reached by contacting your local field office or through our hotline at 1-888-283-2662 (1-888-ATF-BOMB).