ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — As Western North Carolina gets ready to celebrate Independence Day, local fire officials are urging residents to skip backyard fireworks and enjoy one of the many professionally managed displays happening across the region instead.
Buncombe County Fire Marshal Kevin Tipton said fireworks-related injuries and fires are almost entirely preventable and encouraged families to make safety their top priority during the holiday weekend.
“Leave the fireworks to the professionals,” Tipton said in a public safety message released by Buncombe County. “Every year, we see fireworks accidents, and they are all 100 percent preventable.”
According to Tipton, more than 14,000 people were treated in emergency rooms nationwide for fireworks-related injuries in 2024, and 11 people died. Children younger than 5 accounted for about half of those emergency room visits.
Even seemingly harmless sparklers can be dangerous, reaching temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit — hot enough to cause severe burns in seconds.
Tipton also reminded residents to follow any local burn bans and fire safety restrictions, keep children and pets away from fireworks, and call 911 immediately if a fire starts.
Buncombe County’s annual Independence Day celebration will be held at a new location this year — North Buncombe Fields in Weaverville. The family-friendly event begins at 5 p.m., with fireworks scheduled for about 9:15 p.m.
The Asheville Fire Department echoed the same message, encouraging people to attend public fireworks displays whenever possible.
For those who choose to use legal consumer fireworks, firefighters recommend never allowing children to light or handle them, keeping a bucket of water or charged garden hose nearby, using fireworks only outdoors in open areas away from buildings and dry vegetation, and never attempting to relight a firework that fails to ignite. Instead, wait at least 20 minutes before soaking it in water.
The North Carolina Forest Service also warned that fireworks can quickly spark wildfires, especially during hot, dry conditions.
Officials reminded residents that several types of fireworks — including bottle rockets, Roman candles, mortars, firecrackers and other aerial devices — are illegal in North Carolina.
The Forest Service advises anyone using legal fireworks to do so only in large, open paved areas away from woods, dry grass and other combustible materials. Adults should always supervise fireworks use, avoid using them while under the influence of alcohol, and keep a shovel, rake, water source and cellphone nearby in case of an emergency.
After fireworks are finished, officials recommend allowing used and dud fireworks to cool for at least 20 minutes before soaking them in water for several hours — preferably overnight — and disposing of them safely.
Whether the concern is preventing serious injuries or reducing the risk of wildfires, fire officials across the region agree on one message this Independence Day: the safest way to celebrate is to watch a professional fireworks show.