fireworks

National

The explosive history of fireworks, from ancient China to Revolutionary America

6:01am July 04, 2024

by Joe Hernandez

Pyrotechnic amusements from sparklers to Roman candles have long been a staple of celebrations in the U.S. and beyond, helping to mark national holidays, sporting events and more.

Sparklers in the hands of a young person.

Health & Safety

Protecting kids from the perils of pyrotechnics this Independence Day

3:33pm July 02, 2024

by David Ford

During the July 4 holiday, sparklers are often the fireworks of choice for young children. But they're also the leading cause of injury.

The Explosive Growth Of The Fireworks Market

7:58am July 04, 2023

Over the last few decades, states and counties across America have liberalized the use of fireworks. It's just one reason why sales of fireworks have exploded.

Fireworks burst on the National Mall above the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol on July 4, 2022.

9 fun conversation starters for your Fourth of July

5:23am July 04, 2023

by Leigh Walden

The Fourth of July is a big day for fireworks, parades and neighborhood cookouts. Here are some Independence Day-themed facts to share with friends, family and neighbors at that BBQ.

An aerial drone display by approximately 500 drones hovers over the Garonne River in Bordeaux, France on June 23, 2023. Some U.S. cities are planning their own drone shows as an alternative to Fourth of July fireworks.

Fireworks can make bad air quality even worse. For some cities, the answer is drones

3:23pm July 03, 2023

by Emily Olson

After days of smoky conditions caused by Canadian wildfires, some U.S. cities are looking to play it safe this Fourth of July with innovative alternatives to their fireworks displays.

Spectators watch as fireworks are launched over the East River and the Empire State Building in New York City on July 4, 2021. Regulators are warning people ahead of July Fourth to be careful handling any recreational fireworks.

National

Fireworks injuries have been rising. Here are some safety tips for July 4th

12:02pm July 02, 2022

by Joe Hernandez

As July Fourth approaches, federal regulators are warning people to use fireworks safely, as a new report shows that fireworks-related injuries have been increasing.

Spectators watch as fireworks explode overhead during the Fourth of July celebration at Pioneer Park, on July 4, 2013, in Prescott, Ariz.

Some cities cancel Fourth of July fireworks because of shortages and fire concerns

8:46pm June 27, 2022

by The Associated Press

Some major fireworks displays are canceled again this year — some over wildfire concerns amid dry weather and others because of enduring pandemic-related staffing and supply chain issues.

A cache of 5,000 pounds of illegal fireworks seized at a South Los Angeles home exploded and destroyed an armored Los Angeles Police Department tractor-trailer, damaging nearby homes and cars and causing injuries, authorities said.

National

Illegal Fireworks Explode In Los Angeles Bomb Squad Truck, Hurting 17

11:03am July 01, 2021

by Jaclyn Diaz

Los Angeles Police bomb squad officers were in the process of seizing more than 5,000 pounds of illegal fireworks at a home in South Los Angeles at the time of the explosion.

The fireworks of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, add smoke to the already polluted skies — and raise concerns about the impact of all that pollution on coronavirus cases. Here, a celebration takes place last year in Ahmedabad, India.

Fireworks Of Diwali Spark Worries About Pollution ... And Coronavirus Cases

6:11pm November 12, 2020

by Sushmita Pathak

Air quality is awful in New Delhi in winter. Smoke from the fireworks of the Hindu festival of lights adds to the problem. That's a cause for concern during a pandemic caused by a respiratory virus.

Tourists visit Mount Rushmore National Monument on Wednesday. President Trump is expected to visit the federal monument in South Dakota and give a speech before a fireworks display on Friday.

Mount Rushmore Fireworks Revival To Feature Trump But No Social Distancing

7:07pm July 01, 2020

by David Welna

Environmental dangers, including wildfires and groundwater poisoning, ended the Rushmore pyrotechnics a decade ago. Now they're back, defying a pandemic and protests.