Out of state manufacturers and retailers continue to push legislation that would expand the types of fireworks allowed for use by the public, as opposed to trained professionals, increasing the exposure of people and property to potentially dangerous situations. Below are some of the very serious safety implications of their efforts.

• Some types of fireworks that this bill would allow for public use release at tremendous speeds of up to 250 miles per hour, and can behave erratically. Accidents can occur without warning and in a matter of 1-2 seconds. Participants and bystanders may not have time to react to a malfunction.

• Some types of fireworks that this bill would allow for public use have an increased explosive nature that is more powerful than what is currently permitted, and have a much greater potential for destruction due to the energy release, erratic behavior, and burn characteristics.

• These fireworks that are more powerful require an increase in safe distance, and some that would be allowed would also have participants interacting repeatedly with items used to propel fireworks which increases the danger. Professionals understand the need for safe distances and clearances to structures or people; the general public does not.

• These more powerful fireworks do not have sufficient safety instructions and do not address the handling of “dud” or malfunctioning fireworks. This poses an added danger to those who may come in contact with these items after the fact (including sanitation workers, landscapers, and children).

Expanding the allowable use of consumer fireworks would alter North Carolina’s fireworks laws in a way that would increase the risk of injuries, deaths, and property damage from fires.

The North Carolina Fireworks Safety Coalition is a group of organizations dedicated to the safe use of fireworks, and the Coalition is opposed to expanding the allowable use of consumer fireworks.