# Fireworks Mayhem: 2025 Edition **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [June 27, 2025, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2025-edition/1020198 "2025-06-27T13:20:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Biotop](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biotop/32/321_2.png) [@Biotop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biotop)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2025, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2025-edition/1020198/41 "2025-07-06T20:47:01Z")
> **[Man dies while trying to light fireworks above his head](https://www.wishtv.com/news/local-news/fireworks-incident-death-monroe-county-july-5/)** > > Fireworks-related death in Monroe County, Indiana. Man dies while lighting fireworks. Investigation points to accidental death. > **[Seattle hospital treats dozens of fireworks-related injuries](https://www.fox13seattle.com/news/seattle-hospital-fireworks-injuries)** > > Harborview Medical Center has released the number and type of firework-related injuries from this year's Fourth of July celebrations in western Washington. > **[Man hit in face, seriously hurt by firework in Crystal Lake, fire officials say](https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/man-hit-in-face-seriously-hurt-by-firework-crystal-lake/)** > > The Nunda Rural Fire Protection District said crews were dispatched around 9:16 p.m. Saturday to the 1300 block of Beach Street for a reported traumatic injury involving fireworks. > **[Fireworks debris causes Charlotte rooftop fire on South Kings Drive](https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/fireworks-debris-causes-charlotte-rooftop-fire-kings-drive/275-2ab0224b-8d4d-467a-970f-d42d8a598499)** > > Fireworks debris ignited a fire on South Kings Drive overnight Sunday, fire officials said. > **[Kids start grass fire in Kuna after playing with fireworks](https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/kids-start-grass-fire-after-playing-with-fireworks-idaho/277-5c6862de-3f24-49db-b393-700821971684)** > > No injuries were reported. Crews successfully contained the fire before it could spread to nearby residences and horses. ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2025, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2025-edition/1020198/42 "2025-07-06T21:29:38Z")
> Witnesses say Pinkley was “trying to light off a large mortar while holding it directly above his head,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a press release. “They say they tired to stop him, but he dismissed his friends, claiming he had done this before.” There’s always some putz doing _that_, it seems. ---
**Author:** ![Biotop](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biotop/32/321_2.png) [@Biotop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biotop)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2025, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2025-edition/1020198/43 "2025-07-06T21:50:01Z")
I cannot think of anything more fun than being reckless with fireworks, off the top of my head. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2025, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2025-edition/1020198/44 "2025-07-06T22:23:05Z")
Kinda like anal sex, it’s either something you’re into, or something that only makes you shake your head in bewilderment. ---
**Author:** ![JRDelirious](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jrdelirious/32/9531_2.png) [@JRDelirious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JRDelirious)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2025, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2025-edition/1020198/45 "2025-07-06T22:43:12Z")
Ah, yes, _there’s_ another place where you really should not hold fireworks… ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2025, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2025-edition/1020198/46 "2025-07-06T23:00:51Z")
As the child of a Vietnam veteran, i’ve always been sensitive to how uncomfortable the sound of fire works can be for some veterans. I have been a big proponent of switching to drone air shows. But a couple of days ago i learned that for the new generations of vets (and refugees) it’s the buzz of a drone that sends ice water through their veins and bolts of lightening up their spines. I felt pretty stupud for not having figured that out. Because of course it would. There is no good way to celebrate war. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2025, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2025-edition/1020198/47 "2025-07-06T23:04:26Z")
There is not. I am a vet, albeit one not prone to PTSD in circumstances found around here. Although I was mildly reminded 3 weeks ago that nobody is fully immune everywhere. _Shudder_. Where I live I have a good vantage to watch pro shows from home. Last Fri the fireworks I could both see and hear. The subsequent drone show was readily visible but silent at my range. Where I drone-shy that would’ve been a lot more tolerable; they were just dots of pretty light in the sky. ---
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [July 6, 2025, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2025-edition/1020198/48 "2025-07-06T23:24:17Z")
> [@TruCelt](#): > > But a couple of days ago i learned that for the new generations of vets (and refugees) it’s the buzz of a drone that sends ice water through their veins and bolts of lightening up their spines. During the big fireworks show I saw, there was a little red and green flashing drone up there. I’m guessing from the city? Taking pictures? I have no idea. But it added an element of peril to the show, in the sense of, “Whoa, is this going to be the explosion that takes out the drone?” The drone survived, though. I love fireworks. I oppose the illegal use of them. Most people, especially drinking people, have no business with them. Fortunately in my subdivision they are forbidden. We still hear them, but it’s not so loud to be bothersome. ---
**Author:** ![slash2k](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/439d5e/32.png) [@slash2k](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slash2k)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2025, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2025-edition/1020198/49 "2025-07-07T01:06:53Z")
Not sure if this belongs here or not: [https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriff/media-releases/update-fatal-shooting-of-phillips-county-deputy-linked-to-explosives-investigation/](https://www.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriff/media-releases/update-fatal-shooting-of-phillips-county-deputy-linked-to-explosives-investigation/) ---
**Author:** ![Biotop](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biotop/32/321_2.png) [@Biotop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biotop)\ **Post date:** [July 7, 2025, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2025-edition/1020198/50 "2025-07-07T21:18:57Z")
> **[Woman killed in fireworks accident south of Romney](https://www.jconline.com/story/news/local/2025/07/07/woman-killed-in-fireworks-accident-south-of-lafayette/84490383007/)** > > A 33-year-old woman died July 4 in a fireworks accident inside a detached garage along U.S. 231 South, which is about two miles south of Romney. > **[Fireworks ignite dune fire in Ocean Shores](https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/fireworks-ignite-dune-fire-ocean-shores/N745EXTOFZGGBF5RL6UBGZQ5HI/)** > > The Ocean Shores Fire Department is investigating a dune fire reportedly ignited by fireworks this weekend. > **[Missouri Division of Fire Safety investigating possible fireworks involvement...](https://www.kmbc.com/article/missouri-fire-marshal-investigates-fireworks-fires/65321462)** > > The Missouri Division of Fire Safety is investigating an "alarming" number of deaths and injuries over the Fourth of July holiday that "appear to be related to fireworks." > **[Fireworks unleashed inside Reston McDonald’s on Fourth of July | FFXnow](https://www.ffxnow.com/2025/07/07/fireworks-unleashed-inside-reston-mcdonalds-on-fourth-of-july/)** > **[Fireworks ignite dune fire in Ocean Shores](https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/fireworks-ignite-dune-fire-ocean-shores/N745EXTOFZGGBF5RL6UBGZQ5HI/)** > > The Ocean Shores Fire Department is investigating a dune fire reportedly ignited by fireworks this weekend. > **[PHOTOS: Fireworks cause house fire in Wrightsville Beach during holiday weekend](https://www.wect.com/gallery/2025/07/07/photos-fireworks-cause-house-fire-wrightsville-beach-during-holiday-weekend/)** > > PHOTOS: Fireworks cause house fire in Wrightsville Beach during holiday weekend > **[Fireworks cause of Montgomery house fire](https://www.shawlocal.com/kendall-county-now/2025/07/07/fireworks-cause-of-montgomery-house-fire/)** > > A firework ignited a house in Montgomery on the Fourth of July, with flames crawling up the home’s side. > **[From Alabama to California: Firework incidents kill, injure dozens this July 4th](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/07/07/july-4th-2025-firework-deaths-injuries/84490442007/)** > > There have been deaths and injuries reported across the U.S. during this year's Fourth of July celebrations. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2025, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2025-edition/1020198/51 "2025-07-08T00:35:07Z")
> **[Harborview treats 52 people for fireworks injuries over July Fourth weekend](https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/harborview-treats-52-people-fireworks-injuries-over-july-fourth-weekend/HJMP435LMNAKLEUWVVOOUGE2FI/)** > > The annual surge in fireworks injuries comes despite safety campaigns and restrictions. > **[Washington man loses entire hand to 'catastrophic' firework injury](https://komonews.com/news/local/man-loses-entire-hand-to-catastrophic-firework-injury-seattle-monroe-amputation-danger-mortar-fireworks-4th-of-july-warning-firefighters-emergency)** > > MONROE, Wash. — A man suffered catastrophic hand injuries from 4th of July fireworks and ultimately had to have the appendage amputated, arrived at Snohomish Re > **[Bellingham Metro News](https://www.facebook.com/story.php/?story_fbid=1254780466658873&id=100063807932932)** > > BREAKING: Lummi Indian Business Council Bans Fireworks at Stommish Grounds > > BELLINGHAM — The Lummi Indian Business Council has declared an emergency ban on all fireworks at the Stommish Grounds,... ---
**Author:** ![Biotop](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biotop/32/321_2.png) [@Biotop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biotop)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2025, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2025-edition/1020198/52 "2025-07-08T02:08:47Z")
> **[Man dead after suffering fireworks injuries in Sauk County](https://www.wisn.com/article/man-dead-after-suffering-fireworks-injuries-in-sauk-county/65324660)** > > The incident happened July 5 in the Town of La Valle, Wisconsin. > **[Fatal Buckner house fire, Sibley blaze that caused three injuries, possibly...](https://www.kctv5.com/2025/07/07/fatal-buckner-house-fire-sibley-blaze-that-caused-three-injuries-possibly-fireworks-related/)** > > The fire in Buckner, which took place at a farmhouse, has claimed two lives and left another person injured. > **[Blue Ash police make arrests at fireworks event](https://spectrumlocalnews.com/section/know-your-electeds/news/2025/07/07/blue-ash-police-fireworks-july-4)** > > Police said around 400 unaccompanied minors set off fireworks to intentionally create panic. > **[Local hospitals report potential firework injuries](https://www.ky3.com/video/2025/07/07/local-hospitals-report-potential-firework-injuries/)** > > KY3's Emma McDaris reports > **[Fireworks are the suspected cause of brush fire burning near homes in Laguna...](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-07-07/laguna-beach-residents-rush-to-evacuate-as-brush-fire-threatens-homes)** > > Fireworks are the suspected cause of the Rancho fire that ignited in a hilly area of Laguna Beach, prompting evacuation orders for a few hundred homes, officials said. > **[Owners believe fireworks caused bar fire](https://www.wsmv.com/video/2025/07/08/owners-believe-fireworks-caused-bar-fire/)** > > Community members are offering support for Minerva Avenue, a few days after the business caught fire. > **[Illegal fireworks cause major issues in all of Sacramento County during the...](https://www.abc10.com/article/news/local/sacramento/illegal-fireworks-cause-major-issues-in-all-of-sacramento-county/103-1ea2a07d-2174-4863-9b9f-ac9a17f71306)** > > "Once again, Fourth of July was pretty wild throughout Sacramento County," said Battalion Chief Chris Vestal. > **[Waipahu home fire over weekend ignited by fireworks | Honolulu Star-Advertiser](https://www.staradvertiser.com/2025/07/07/breaking-news/waipahu-home-fire-over-weekend-ignited-by-fireworks/)** > > The Honolulu Fire Department has determined a home fire in Waipahu over the weekend was caused by fireworks. The case has been classified as accidental. > **[Illegal fireworks trigger 80 fires in Bakersfield](https://www.turnto23.com/news/in-your-neighborhood/bakersfield/illegal-fireworks-trigger-80-fires-in-bakersfield)** > > Illegal fireworks sparked 80 fires across Bakersfield on the Fourth of July, with crews responding to one every five minutes. > **[Fireworks to blame for fire that destroyed two Schenectady buildings](https://wnyt.com/top-stories/fireworks-to-blame-for-fire-that-destroyed-two-schenectady-buildings/)** > > “Carelessly discarded” fireworks caused a fire that destroyed two houses in Schenectady on Friday, according to the fire chief. The call came in around 11:20 p.m. for fire at 1584 and 1588 Avenue A. Fire Chief George Burns said that the fire took... ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2025, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2025-edition/1020198/53 "2025-07-08T02:27:58Z")
> [@LSLGuy](#): > > I wonder how many residence fires and fatalities are created every year by Christmas trees? On mythbusters they tried to set a VERY dry christmas tree on fire with electrical lights, and more or less rated it “Busted” [![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/QYnx4pg3X8Y/maxresdefault.jpg "Can Christmas Tree Lights Spark a Fire? | MythBusters") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYnx4pg3X8Y) Mind you, wiring problems can cause a fire. The Palisades Fire in SoCal was possible caused by fireworks. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [July 8, 2025, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2025-edition/1020198/54 "2025-07-08T02:39:58Z")
> **[Portland logs nearly 4,000 fireworks reports despite city ban](https://www.kgw.com/article/life/holidays/portland-fireworks-violations-fourth-of-july/283-1ec4d736-3200-4f03-b658-e78ea7b40924)** > > Portland Fire & Rescue received nearly 4,000 reports of illegal fireworks use on July 4th, with 400 reports in the first hour after sunset alone. > **[From Illinois to Utah: Firework mishaps claim lives and injure dozens this...](https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/07/05/july-4th-firework-deaths-injuries/74280499007/)** > > At least 4 fireworks deaths and dozens of injuries have been reported across the U.S. during this year's July Fourth celebrations. > **[14 hurt in fireworks mishap at Crescent City beach](https://www.times-standard.com/2024/07/05/14-hurt-in-fireworks-mishap-at-crescent-city-beach/)** > > 14 people, including multiple children, were injured after an illegal fireworks misfire in Crescent City during Fourth of July celebrations. ---
**Author:** ![Biotop](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biotop/32/321_2.png) [@Biotop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biotop)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2025, 12:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2025-edition/1020198/55 "2025-07-10T12:14:34Z")
A few incident reports are still trickling in. Of course many fireworks mishaps never make the news at all. > **[22-year-old dies after fireworks explosion in Tuskahoma](https://www.newson6.com/story/686f233763a6663782dc3bef/22-year-old-dies-after-fireworks-explosion-in-tuskahoma)** > > A 22-year-old man has died after being severely burned when commercial fireworks exploded in Tuskahoma last week. > **[Kentucky man killed in fireworks accident](https://www.wymt.com/video/2025/07/09/kentucky-man-killed-fireworks-accident/)** > > A Fleming County man died in a fireworks-related accident Friday night, according to the coroner. > **[Fireworks accident on July 4 sends Georgia man to hospital; he died a day...](https://www.13wmaz.com/article/news/local/georgia-man-dead-after-fireworks-accident-on-the-fourth-of-july/93-59da6233-bbfe-4e3b-8085-2e1fc9aa2fe9)** > > Vidalia Police Chief Robert Shore says Quinton Simpson was holding a firework on Sly Street in Vidalia, when it exploded. > **[Animal-rescue operator sparks fireworks-ban talk following death of horse](https://www.bradfordtoday.ca/local-news/animal-rescue-operator-sparks-fireworks-ban-talk-following-death-of-horse-10913851)** > > After a tragic accident involving one of her horses, Angie Hurst is calling on Perth County residents and officials to reconsider how they celebrate holidays involving loud pyrotechnics > **[Pierce County eats $207K in fire damage caused by improper use of fireworks](https://www.thecentersquare.com/washington/article_e5171343-c88b-4895-9b9f-b34ac740bc61.html)** > > (The Center Square) – Firework misuse over the Fourth of July weekend caused $207,000 in damages across unincorporated Pierce County. > **[Officials: House fire started by illegal fireworks, family displaced](https://gazette.com/news/house-fire-started-by-illegal-fireworks-family-displaced-colorado-springs/article_5de04e49-9d4c-425c-85d5-2903d006ff17.html)** > > Illegal fireworks caused a house fire that displaced a family early Saturday, according to a news release from the Colorado Springs Fire Department. No one was injured in the blaze, but the damage left the home uninhabitable, officials said in the... > **[UW frat house fire ‘likely’ caused by fireworks](https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/jul/09/uw-frat-house-fire-likely-caused-by-fireworks/)** > > Investigators say the cause of a fire at a University of Washington fraternity house on Saturday was undetermined, but likely caused by fireworks. > **[Walla Walla Fire Department responds to 10 fireworks-caused fires on Fourth...](https://www.applevalleynewsnow.com/news/walla-walla-fire-department-responds-to-10-fireworks-caused-fires-on-fourth-of-july-week/article_5544e0f3-7558-4e35-8e2c-5a6be0d633df.html)** > > Firefighters said the week leading up to Independence Day, and the holiday itself, had several fires caused by fireworks. ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2025, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2025-edition/1020198/56 "2025-07-11T00:56:10Z")
Even the rich and famous aren’t immune. > **[Chargers RB Najee Harris injured in fireworks accident but expected to be...](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/chargers-rb-najee-harris-injured-in-fireworks-accident-but-expected-to-be-ready-for-season-agent-says/)** > > Harris sustained an eye injury, according to his agent ---
**Author:** ![Biotop](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biotop/32/321_2.png) [@Biotop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biotop)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2025, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2025-edition/1020198/57 "2025-07-11T01:42:59Z")
Wish there was something to do every year besides stare in horror at the mostly preventable carnage and shake one’s head. But odds are for a repeat again in 2026. ---
**Author:** ![LSLGuy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lslguy/32/5813_2.png) [@LSLGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LSLGuy)\ **Post date:** [July 11, 2025, 12:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2025-edition/1020198/58 "2025-07-11T12:19:40Z")
There’s a lot of wreckage in a big country. This is just one small folly among thousands of kinds enacted by millions of people. Maybe less staring will let _you_ experience less horror. I just shake my head at my fellow humans every day and move on with my own life untroubled by their follies. I have folly enough of my own to entertain and/or chagrin myself with. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2025-edition/1020198.md?page=2)