Fireworks - Your House & Fire Damage
Watching and lighting fireworks on the Fourth of July is as American as apple pie.
While it’s exciting to watch and shoot fireworks, it’s important to remember that fireworks can cause damage both to property and people.
Fireworks started an estimated 19,500 fires in 2018, including 1,900 structure fires, 500 vehicle fires, and 17,100 outside and other fires. These $105 million in direct property damage according to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
In order to stay safe and enjoy the holiday festivities, it’s essential to follow safety guidelines when handling fireworks.
Firework Local Laws
Firstly, it’s important to follow all local laws by purchasing fireworks from licensed dealers. Illegal fireworks may not meet safety standards and pose a greater risk of accidents. In addition, make sure you know where you can and can’t use fireworks.
Did you know?
It is illegal to discharge fireworks in the City of Houston. A Texas House Bill allows for the transportation of fireworks, however there are restrictions including where the fireworks are located inside the vehicle and if they are opened or unopened. See HB1813 for more information >>>
The City will continue to enforce, in compliance with state law, fire and safety regulations within the city.
Harris County residents should also be aware that HFD will be enforcing the fireworks ban in the Limited Purpose Annexation Areas.
The fines are anywhere from $500 – $2000 for each individual firework.
Warnings are no longer used because of the seriousness of the firework laws. If a minor is caught with fireworks, the parent or guardian will receive the fine even if they were unaware of the minor’s possession and/or usage.
Make Sure to Follow the Instructions
I know who wants to take the time to read and follow the instruction on something as simple as lighting a fuse stick, but it doesn’t hurt. However, if you don’t read the instruction especially on a more complex firework, it might hurt you, literally.
Personal Protection & Precaution
In 2023, 19% of fireworks injuries were to the eyes. The most common types of fireworks that cause eye injuries include bottle rockets and Roman candles. Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks and do not let any part of your body cover the fireworks.
Fireworks can cause temporary hearing loss, tinnitus and eardrum perforation. Not fun. The risk of hearing damage increases the closer you are to the fireworks, and even a single loud blast can cause permanent damage. Prolonged exposure to sounds over 80 decibels can also lead to permanent hearing loss, especially as you get olderWear hearing protection – explosive sounds like firecrackers are more hazardous to hearing than other loud noise.
Always have a bucket of water, or water hose, or better yet a fire extinquisher nearby.
After you finish setting off your display, hose off the ground where the fireworks were lit. Small sparks can be difficult to see in the dark. By hosing off the ground, you diminish the likelihood that remaining sparks will ignite nearby grass, leaves or or other flammable debris.
Kids & Fireworks
Maintain adult supervision and never give fireworks to young children – even sparklers are risky as they can burn at 2000 degrees.
Common Sense
Only use fireworks outdoors.
Never throw or point fireworks at another person.
How to Handle Duds
The simple answer is don’t.
Do not handle or try to relight duds. Wait 20-30 minutes, soak the duds in water, and then properly dispose of them.
Don't Drink and Firework
Alcohol and fireworks are an explosively bad combination!
The National Safety Council advises everyone to leave fireworks to the experts and enjoy the excitement at public displays instead of using fireworks at home.
The NSC cautions that while fireworks may be legal, they are not safe. In fact, consumer fireworks are generally considered more hazardous than some military explosives. However, if you live in an area where setting off consumer fireworks is permitted, make sure there is an appointed and acknowledged designated launcher who has not consumed any alcohol. Even a small amount of alcohol, such as one beer or glass of wine, increases the risk of impaired judgment and may degrade an individual’s ability to properly set up and safely use consumer fireworks.
Protect Your Property
1. Launch Fireworks Far Away from Homes and Buildings
If you’re playing the pyrotechnic, your staging area should be a minimum of 500 feet away from homes and buildings, where sparks can land and ignite any dry material accumulating on rooftops, such as leaves and pine needles. If you see anyone launching fireworks near homes in your neighborhood, ask them kindly to move a safe distance away.
2. Sweep Your Roof of All “Tinder”
Play it safe and contact a roofing contractor to service your roof before the 4th of July, especially if you haven’t had your roof or gutters cleaned for a long time. You can get up there yourself, but why take the chance? A roof inspection can also be performed while the roofing pro removes debris, so you get the double benefit of knowing if your roof needs any repairs. Dry leaves, pine needles, twigs, and even exposed decking are flammable elements that can end up in an unwanted 4th of July conflagration!
3. Pay Attention to the Weather
In dry or windy conditions, homeowners and roofing pros must be highly alert when fireworks fly. The wind carries embers longer distances and burns material more effectively, oxygenating it and staying alight longer. Like fireplace bellows, wind can fuel smoldering spots on a roof and stoke the flames. Obviously, dry conditions increase the likelihood of fires starting.
4. Trim Overhanging Limbs and Vegetation
Having tree limbs or climbing plants hanging over a home is never a good idea. If they fall due to stiff winds or lightning strikes, large tree limbs can cause severe roof damage, but they deposit leaves and twigs onto roofs. This debris dries out and produces fire hazards. Certain types of trees, vines, and bushes are known to be incredibly flammable, including ornamental juniper, Leyland cypress, Italian cypress, rosemary, arborvitae, eucalyptus, and some ornamental grasses. Remove any vegetation overhanging a roof, especially before active fireworks celebrations.
Another possibility is dry leaves and twigs catching fire in your gutter. Be sure to clean these out as well. Also, low hanging limbs near your home should be trimmed back because they are another potential hazard. Be sure additional greenery in your yard that has the potential to catch on fire during this holiday is watered down or trimmed.
It never hurts to take a garden hose and water your roof to be extra cautions.
Insurance and Fire Damage from Fireworks
Fireworks-related damage may be covered by your insurance but not always.
What homeowners and renters insurance likely cover
The typical homeowners insurance policy has two coverage areas.
One is for property: your home and the things in it. The second is for liability; this covers you if you’re liable for injury or property damage to another person, perhaps a friend or neighbor harmed by an errant firework. The latter coverage is generally available anywhere your liability occurs in the U.S.
A renters policy is similar but wouldn’t cover the physical structure of the home — only the things in it.
Wrapping it Up
Fourth of July fireworks are exciting and a national tradition, and with the right precautions and safety measures can also be safe and enjoyalbe.
