By Doug Nelson, State Fire Marshal
Anecdotally, fireworks injuries occur every year in North Dakota. These range from injuries resulting in death to injuries to the hearing, burns, and disfigurement. Though fireworks are part of our national celebration on July 4th, you and your communities must know the risks and hazards that fireworks can bring.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that over the last 20 years, there have been approximately three fireworks injuries for every 100,000 people. At this rate, we in North Dakota would be on pace to incur 21-24 injuries this year. See further fireworks safety data from CPSC. Even items that may seem safe, such as sparklers, can burn at over 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit. That is the same temperature at which flashover occurs in a room and contents fire.
Under Century Code 23-15, fireworks are legal to sell between June 27th and July 5th each year, North Dakota Century Code 23c15. Types of fireworks that are allowed are specified under this section of code, along with details about retail and wholesale licenses. Retail licenses are required to sell to the consumer and are managed through the County Sheriff’s Office.
Additionally, the Fire Code of North Dakota includes requirements for storing and using fireworks. The State Fire Marshal does provide an application for a local retail fireworks license for use by a local code official or county sheriff. Please visit our website here to review the application form, which contains code guidance.
Please join us in recommending to your communities that we leave it to the professionals this year, reduce the number of fires on our Nation’s Birthday, and have zero injuries relating to fireworks. Have a safe and happy 4th of July!