**FIREWORKS SAFETY ALERT** Congressman Patronis: Put Freedom and Safety First on July 4th

July 1, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jimmy Patronis, who served as Florida’s State Fire Marshal from 2017-2025, cautioned Northwest Florida residents celebrating Independence Day this weekend to keep safety in mind when lighting fireworks. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fireworks caused more than 32,000 fires in 2023, with children under 15 accounting for 32% of all reported fireworks injuries. Sparklers accounted for more than 50% of all injuries among children under the age of five.

Congressman Jimmy Patronis said, “Every Fourth of July, Americans get together to appreciate our country and the freedoms we have as Americans, and there’s no better place to celebrate than the beautiful beaches of Northwest Florida. As you gather with friends and family to mark our nation’s birthday, I encourage everyone to keep safety top of mind. Fireworks can be exciting, but if misused, they can lead to serious injury and disaster for you and those around trying to enjoy the show. Put freedom and safety first this Independence Day by taking a few simple precautions that will ensure this Fourth of July will be one to remember.

Independence Day Safety Tips

Consider attending a professional fireworks show. Allow trained professionals to handle the fireworks to minimize injuries.
Light one firework at a time. Too many fireworks lit at one time can cause confusion and lead to possible injury or fire.
Keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Use caution when disposing of fireworks and sparklers immediately after their use and have a fire extinguisher or water hose on hand for good measure.
Be smart around the grill. Keep the grill away from homes, overhanging branches, and decks. Make sure children are supervised when grilling.
Take care of your pets. Pets are often terrified by the noise caused by fireworks, and if not supervised or kept on a tight leash, they could be at risk of running off.

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