# Fireworks Mayhem 2026 **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [June 29, 2026, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2026/1031283 "2026-06-29T20:55:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**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:** [June 30, 2026, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2026/1031283/21 "2026-06-30T15:20:03Z")
Here’s an article from when your event occurred: **[3 dead, 1 injured in Troy, Illinois, home explosion | ksdk.com](https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/local/explosion-destroys-madison-county-illinois-home-late-sunday-night/63-517b4bfa-dd41-4f3c-b4c4-bf39dc012971)**. And more details from a couple days later: **[Fireworks suspected in fatal explosion that killed three | FOX 2](https://fox2now.com/news/illinois/fireworks-suspected-in-fatal-explosion-that-killed-three/)**. More unrelated Missouri mayhem from Apr of this year: **[Missouri teen blows off hands in fireworks accident](https://fox4kc.com/news/missouri-teen-blows-off-hands-in-fireworks-accident/)**. Although as the article indicates, the kids made a pipe bomb, not a firework. Then the premature detonation of their pipe bomb pretty well did what pipe bombs are supposed to do. Oops. ---
**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:** [June 30, 2026, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2026/1031283/22 "2026-06-30T16:17:45Z")
When it comes to handling pipe bombs: Hands off!!! ---
**Author:** ![fedman1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e495f1/32.png) [@fedman1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fedman1)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2026, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2026/1031283/23 "2026-06-30T16:48:59Z")
most of the issues here are YouTube amateurs making their own fireworks ---
**Author:** ![Shoeless](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shoeless/32/7099_2.png) [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2026, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2026/1031283/24 "2026-06-30T19:31:23Z")
> [@HeyHomie](#): > > I live in Missouri, which has some of the most freewheeling fireworks laws in the country, which has a booming fireworks tourism industry (viz, miscreants coming from Illinois, and, to a lesser extent I suppose, Kentucky, Tennessee and Arkansas) That’s funny, I grew up in north St Louis County and fireworks were not allowed, so we always drove up to Alton Illinois to buy ours! ---
**Author:** ![HeyHomie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heyhomie/32/207_2.png) [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2026, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2026/1031283/25 "2026-06-30T19:52:18Z")
> [@Shoeless](#): > > That’s funny, I grew up in north St Louis County and fireworks were not allowed, so we always drove up to Alton Illinois to buy ours! I don’t know when Illinois became Karens about fireworks, but it must have been some point between my childhood and teen years. I remember, as a pre-teen, going to fireworks stands every summer. By the time I was a freshman in college (1988), we had to go to Iowa or Missouri (or Indiana if you live east of a N-S line running through Springfield). And yes, Missouri allows municipalities to set their own rules. When I lived in Joplin there were fireworks stands aplenty once you got to the other side of the City Limits, but Og help you if you wanted to set them off (or buy them, for that matter) in town. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2026, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2026/1031283/26 "2026-06-30T19:56:36Z")
> [@HeyHomie](#): > > I don’t know when Illinois became Karens about fireworks, but it must have been some point between my childhood and teen years. I remember, as a pre-teen, going to fireworks stands every summer. By the time I was a freshman in college (1988), we had to go to Iowa or Missouri (or Indiana if you live east of a N-S line running through Springfield). They must have relaxed the rules at some point after we moved away in '79. One of us, typically my eldest sibling, had to make an annual pilgrimage to Missouri all the years we lived in Kankakee County. ---
**Author:** ![HeyHomie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heyhomie/32/207_2.png) [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2026, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2026/1031283/27 "2026-06-30T19:58:12Z")
> [@Skywatcher](#): > > an annual pilgrimage to Missouri A friend of my dad’s would take up a collection every year and make a run to whatever fireworks stand was just across the river. One year he spent $5k! ---
**Author:** ![aurora\_maire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aurora_maire/32/328_2.png) [@aurora\_maire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aurora_maire)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2026, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2026/1031283/28 "2026-06-30T20:05:52Z")
> [@PastTense](#): > > **While it is being done by professionals** , with this huge a display one wonders if things might go wrong: Bolding mine. Can we really be sure about that? After all, this is being put on by the same people who organized the Fair. ---
**Author:** ![HeyHomie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/heyhomie/32/207_2.png) [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2026, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2026/1031283/29 "2026-06-30T20:20:05Z")
> [@aurora\_maire](#): > > After all, this is being put on by the same people who organized the Fair. Looks like the fireworks portion has been outsourced to actual, real professionals. Whether or not [Pyrotecnico](https://www.npr.org/2026/06/28/nx-s1-5869604/dc-fireworks-trump-250-world-record) got a no-bid contract, or whether The Regime cut corners, I cannot say. But this does not appear to be the same situation as the guy who “fixed” the Reflecting Pool - viz, a Trump donor who half-assed it. ---
**Author:** ![PastTense](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pasttense/32/14550_2.png) [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2026, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2026/1031283/30 "2026-06-30T20:47:21Z")
You can get injured by more than fireworks when other people set them off: > **[3 shot as fight over fireworks in Brewerytown erupts in gunfire, officials say](https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/3-shot-as-fight-over-fireworks-in-brewerytown-erupts-in-gunfire-officials-say/4425227/)** > > A man, whose car was struck by a firework, shot and injured three people in Philadelphia's Brewerytown section overnight, police say. ---
**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:** [June 30, 2026, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2026/1031283/31 "2026-06-30T21:20:38Z")
Weird. That time injuries occurred when fireworks set off a bystander. ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Post date:** [June 30, 2026, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2026/1031283/32 "2026-06-30T22:02:49Z")
> [@SCAdian](#): > > Sparklers …may be sold, but may not legally be sold to, or used by persons younger than 16. Geeze! When I was a kid, in the nanny state of Wisconsin, pretty much everything was illegal, _except_ sparklers. They’re like the safest “firework” in existence, other than those carbon snakes, which were also legal. 6 year olds could enjoy them. And we did! Sure you could out your eye out, but you can say that about anything. ---
**Author:** ![Karen\_Lingel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/karen_lingel/32/18649_2.png) [@Karen\_Lingel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Karen_Lingel)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2026, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2026/1031283/33 "2026-07-01T00:56:51Z")
In my neighborhood, you can hear fireworks about three times a week, _all year long_. Of course it gets worse for New Year’s, Lunar New Year, 4th of July, other random holidays, any kind of big sports victory, Friday, … ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2026, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2026/1031283/34 "2026-07-01T02:05:52Z")
> [@Shoeless](#): > > That’s funny, I grew up in north St Louis County and fireworks were not allowed, so we always drove up to Alton Illinois to buy ours! You drove too far up Highway 67. Once you crossed into that little section of St. Charles County near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, there were some primo fireworks stands. ---
**Author:** ![Shoeless](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shoeless/32/7099_2.png) [@Shoeless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shoeless)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2026, 11:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2026/1031283/35 "2026-07-01T11:42:10Z")
(Checking Google Maps…) Yeah you may be right. Maybe it was _West_ Alton that we went to. ---
**Author:** ![Precambrianmollusc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/precambrianmollusc/32/63_2.png) [@Precambrianmollusc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Precambrianmollusc)\ **Post date:** [July 1, 2026, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2026/1031283/36 "2026-07-01T15:30:19Z")
Fireworks are pretty much banned in Utah , and the governor ,for once , did something sensible and banned them during the previously allowed time windows. A few people have pointed out that there are few examples of fireworks actually staring a wildfire ( most human cause are firing guns, parking cars in tall dry grass , or starting fires) but given the state is either on fire , or about to be on fire , not adding any additional risk is a good thing. We will go and watch a drone show , apparently they are getting pretty good. I am sure some will do what they want to do , and the booze, porn, and fireworks shops just over the border in Evenston are doing brisk business. Oh and firefighters have been threatened and received verbal abuse after the bans were enacted, I would have said that is unbelievable, unfortunately it isn’t. ---
**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 1, 2026, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2026/1031283/37 "2026-07-01T20:05:09Z")
I checked FL law. Flying or exploding fireworks are illegal to set off statewide except on July 4, Dec 31, and Jan 1. Then and only then you can let fly with full Florida Man abandon. But there are many year-round retail outlets with permanent buildings. So clearly more is being bought than could be set off on just 3 days. My 'burb and one of the immediately adjacent 'burbs prohibits flying or exploding things even on those three days. The other immediately adjacent 'burb allows flying and exploding stuff those days, just not on their beach. Historically around here you could hear bombs and see & hear skyrockets launching all over the place on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Plus random backyard parties year round for I suppose someone’s birthday. Or maybe a football watching party. Or just for the hell of it. Been quiet so far this season. Yeah … too quiet. ---
**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 2, 2026, 12:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2026/1031283/38 "2026-07-02T12:02:09Z")
Here we go… > **[Man hospitalized due to firework-related injury in Springfield](https://www.whio.com/news/local/man-hospitalized-due-firework-related-injury-springfield/WRLIZ332KRCJHGVRSGHZUTLCXE/)** > > Springfield man hospitalized after firework injury. Learn the latest details on this developing story. > **[Kansas City hospital treats 2 children for fireworks-related injuries](https://www.kctv5.com/2026/07/01/kansas-city-hospital-treats-2-children-fireworks-related-injuries/)** > > Children’s Mercy Hospital said doctors have treated two patients for fireworks-related injuries this week. > **[Man cited for shooting fireworks at homes in several Wagoner County...](https://www.aol.com/articles/man-cited-shooting-fireworks-homes-214309000.html)** > > A man was cited after deputies say he allegedly shot off fireworks at residences in multiple Wagoner County communities. > **[Improperly discarded fireworks cause fires in house, multiple vehicles in...](https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2026/07/02/improperly-discarded-fireworks-cause-montgomery-county-fires/)** > > One home and three vehicles were burned in a fire caused by improperly discarded fireworks. > **[Fireworks ignited Tuesday blaze south of Bellevue](https://www.mtexpress.com/news/bellevue/fireworks-ignited-tuesday-blaze-south-of-bellevue/article_a33f9240-c516-4537-905e-874f4389f246.html)** > > "Errant fireworks" from a neighbor to the north landed in dry grass on a residential property in the Bellevue Triangle on Tuesday evening, starting a fire, the BC South Fire ---
**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 3, 2026, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2026/1031283/39 "2026-07-03T01:21:42Z")
> **[Fireworks debris blamed for fatal Barbour County house fire - WV MetroNews](https://wvmetronews.com/2026/07/02/fireworks-debris-blamed-for-fatal-barbour-county-house-fire/)** > > Investigators believe hot fireworks tubes and other debris was placed in a trash bag and eventually caught fire on the front porch of a mobile home in Junior 4 dead. > **[Police: Two Oklahoma children injured by fireworks, one suffers significant...](https://okcfox.com/news/local/police-two-oklahoma-children-injured-by-fireworks-one-suffers-significant-injury)** > > Authorities say two children were rushed to an Oklahoma hospital following an accident with fireworks.Around 10:20 p.m. on July 1, officers with the Tulsa Polic > **[Police: Fireworks Launched From Vehicles Spark Two Field Fires Near Moses Lake](https://www.yoursourceone.com/columbia_basin/police-fireworks-launched-from-vehicles-spark-two-field-fires-near-moses-lake/article_26fa88f2-a68c-47a8-a319-70365985202a.html)** > > MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake police are investigating after two reports of fireworks being launched from vehicles and starting field fires shortly after 9 p.m. ---
**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 4, 2026, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2026/1031283/40 "2026-07-04T02:21:32Z")
> **[Illegal fireworks suspected in NE rowhouse fire](https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/illegal-fireworks-suspected-in-ne-rowhouse-fire/4125369/)** > > Suspected illegal fireworks left a family’s home so damaged, it will take weeks to repair. Investigators believe someone set off fireworks in an alley on E Street NE near Oklahoma Avenue just after midnight Thursday. Sparks ignited bamboo in the... > **[Spokane Valley crews tackle brush fire sparked by fireworks near Starr Road](https://www.khq.com/fires/spokane-valley-crews-tackle-brush-fire-sparked-by-fireworks-near-starr-road/article_0d0bdff1-eb48-4b71-8aee-c3e69605b39c.html)** > > SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. – Crews were dispatched to the area of North Starr Road and East Roxanne Avenue on Thursday night after a brush fire ignited near Otis Orchards-East Farms, > **[Fireworks may have sparked deadly fire at Page mobile home park, police say](https://www.kvoa.com/news/arizona/fireworks-may-have-sparked-deadly-fire-at-page-mobile-home-park-police-say/article_d9bb067f-d1e6-4d3d-ba1f-bca2049be4cf.html)** > > PAGE, Ariz. (KVOA) - A mobile home was destroyed after flames completely consumed the structure, with witnesses reporting fireworks in the area moments before the fire began, according to the > **[Fireworks start house fire](https://www.wowt.com/video/2026/07/03/fireworks-start-house-fire/)** > > Fireworks are being blamed for a house fire in west Omaha late Wednesday night. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2026/1031283.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fireworks-mayhem-2026/1031283.md?page=3)