State study of pyrotechnics-related injuries and property damage

In December 1993, the State of North Carolina legalized the sale of certain types of fireworks. To date, no study has examined the impact of legalization of fireworks on health care and public safety. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of legalized pyrotechnics specific to our state with regard to injury, property damage, and suppression costs. The population groups surveyed were the state fire departments, county fire marshals, hospital emergency departments, and county forest rangers. Each group was asked to complete a questionnaire on all incidents involving pyrotechnics devices, both legal and illegal, used during the study period. A total of 233 responses were received from the 1644 agencies surveyed. Forty-one injuries and 129 fireworks-related fires were reported. Total property loss was $185,570. Property loss, injury costs, and fire suppression costs totaled $799,450. This study provides a very conservative estimate of the problem within our state. Stronger legislation to restrict access to pyrotechnics may reduce the damage and costs they cause.