Full Breakdown
Ohio Leads Nation in Backyard Fireworks Accident Risk
7/3/2026, 1:28:56 AM
Ohio Leads Nation in Backyard Fireworks Accident Risk
The Action Network study ranks Ohio as the highest-risk state for backyard fireworks, assigning participants a 3.54 % (1-in-28) chance of injury, property damage, or fire during the July 4 weekend. Indiana, Missouri, New Hampshire and Kansas follow; Massachusetts shows the lowest risk at 0.02 %.
Methodology and Risk Statistics
The ranking blends shipment volumes, consumer search data and state laws. Ohio’s $3.50 per-capita shipment and a 93/100 consumer-interest score placed it first. In 2024 fireworks caused 34,079 fires (3,246 structural) and 14,700 ER visits. Injuries most often affect hands, fingers and the head; children under 15 accounted for 32 % of 2023 cases. Though structure fires are only 11 % of fireworks fires, they represent 77 % of deaths, 83 % of injuries and 88 % of property loss.
Official Responses
Action Network spokeswoman Kathy Morris said professional municipal shows pose minimal threat compared with amateur backyard displays and noted that firework volume has doubled in two decades, raising injuries. Massillon Fire Chief Matt Heck urged residents to attend professional displays rather than handle fireworks. Hartville Fire Chief Mike Lorentz reported the roof fire caused about $100,000 in damage.
Criticism
Fire-safety officials warn minors under 18 should not handle fireworks, alcohol impairs safe use, and dry grass or winds above 18 mph raise fire risk. The National Fire Protection Association reports thousands of child and teen injuries each July 4, 35 % to extremities. Critics call for stricter age limits, a 150-ft buffer from structures, and bans on indoor or under-overhang use.
Conflicts
Federal data list 13,004-14,700 ER visits annually, while epidemiologists say minor burns and fires are under-reported by 4-10 times, leaving state-level counts uncertain.
Quotes
- “While a professional municipal show carries minimal threat to you in your lawn chair, amateur backyard displays are a different story.” — Kathy Morris, Action Network spokeswoman
- “With consumer firework volume doubling over the last two decades, so too have backyard firework injuries. Some states are cultural hotbeds for heavy consumer mortar shells, while others restrict celebrations and are far more restrained.” — Kathy Morris, Action Network spokeswoman
- “We would prefer that people go to the professionals and watch their show.” — Matt Heck, Massillon Fire Chief
- “Because full aerial cakes and reloadable mortar shells are legal, large multi-family block parties in the Buckeye State carry the highest statistical chance of a backyard mishap or property flare-up in the nation.” — Action Network study
Next
Stark County will host free professional fireworks shows at Silver Park (July 4), McKinley Memorial Park (July 2), Duncan Plaza (July 3) and the American Drone Show at North Canton City Square (July 4). Officials encourage the public to attend these events rather than conduct private displays.
