NEW YORK — Firefighters and emergency responders responded to multiple fireworks-related fires and injuries across the United States as Independence Day celebrations unfolded on Saturday, while officials renewed warnings about hazardous weather, recalled consumer fireworks and elevated wildfire risks in several regions.
Local authorities in a number of states reported residential fires, brush fires and burn injuries linked to consumer fireworks, although many investigations remained preliminary and officials in several jurisdictions had not released nationwide casualty totals by Saturday evening. Authorities urged the public to rely on professional displays as emergency services managed holiday-related incidents.
The incidents occurred as millions of Americans marked the nation's 250th Independence Day during a holiday weekend affected by extreme heat across much of the central and eastern United States and dangerous wildfire conditions in parts of the West. High temperatures prompted some communities to modify or cancel public celebrations, while fire agencies warned that dry vegetation and gusty winds increased the risk that fireworks could ignite fast-moving fires.
Federal and state officials had issued repeated safety advisories before the holiday. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission urged consumers to follow manufacturer instructions, keep water nearby and never attempt to relight malfunctioning fireworks, citing thousands of fireworks-related injuries reported annually. The American Red Cross also encouraged the public to attend professionally managed displays instead of using consumer fireworks at home.
Authorities also reminded consumers that two Winco Fireworks products were recalled nationwide earlier in the week after regulators determined they could tip over or malfunction, creating explosion and burn hazards. The recalls covered more than 100,000 fireworks sold through retailers in multiple states, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. No injuries had been reported in connection with the recalled products at the time of the announcement.
Several western states and local governments imposed fireworks restrictions or burn bans ahead of the holiday because of heightened wildfire danger. Fire officials warned that even legally purchased fireworks could ignite dry vegetation under current weather conditions and urged residents to comply with local regulations.
Emergency agencies said they would continue monitoring holiday celebrations through the weekend as local authorities investigate individual incidents and compile official reports on injuries, fires and property damage. Final nationwide figures were not immediately available.
