OKLAHOMA CITY – As we approach the Independence Day holiday, I wanted to share some important information so you can be prepared for the upcoming festivities celebrating our nation’s 250th birthday.
Even though we are in a wet period, fires can still break out, much like what we see in states to the west of us. As always, thank you to the men and women with our professional and volunteer fire departments across the state as they help keep us safe every day.
Oklahoma’s new “Rockets’ Red Glare Act,” passed by the Oklahoma Legislature this past session, expands fireworks sales in some parts of the state, but existing bans remain in effect in many municipalities. If you have questions regarding your community, call your local city hall and ask about what, if any, fireworks are legal in your city or town.
As with all laws, actions which can cause harm to others are usually the impetus for creating statutory requirements. With this act, lawmakers chose to expand the right to shoot fireworks by lessening specific requirements, but the expanded right must also be balanced with responsibility.
Those enjoying fireworks should use common sense by not risking property damage by shooting fireworks during a burn ban, dry season, or in locations close to buildings.
One of the most significant changes under Senate Bill 1948 is the legalization of bottle rockets, an item which was prohibited in 1981 due to droughts the state faced and the greater likelihood of wildfires.
Also, the new law states that no county shall prohibit private outdoor consumer fireworks for a noncommercial purpose, provided that such display is located on private property, that no county burn ban is in effect under state law, and there are no red flag fire warnings in effect. In short, there can be no sustained winds greater than twenty (20) miles per hour, the relative humidity must be higher than 25%, and the 10-hour dead fuel (woody materials up to an inch in diameter along with forest litter) is above 9% moisture.
People lighting fireworks under conditions established by this new law shall notify the local responding fire department first.
In 2025, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported 15 fireworks-related deaths, most involving misuse and device misfire/malfunctions. An estimated 13,000 people were injured by fireworks last year, with an estimated 1,300 emergency room-treated injuries involving sparklers. The 15- to 24-year-old age group accounted for the largest share of reported injuries.
The most frequently injured body parts were hands and fingers (35%) and head, face, and ears (22%). Burns were the most common injury, making up 38% of all emergency room visits.
Here are some suggestions to help you stay safe during this holiday with CPSC’s Fireworks Safety Tips:
• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit – hot enough to melt some metals.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area and only purchase and set off fireworks that are labeled for consumer (not professional) use.
• Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Follow all instructions and warnings on fireworks and never hold them in hand unless instructions specify to do so.
Also, dogs have exceptional hearing and are often frightened by fireworks. More pups run away on the Fourth of July than any other day. Even indoors, they can cause damage by trying to escape the noise. Please ensure that your pets are wearing a collar and are microchipped in case they get away.
I hope you have a safe celebration with these tips on this very special Fourth of July!
About OICA: The Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy was established in 1983 by a group of citizens seeking to create a strong advocacy network that would provide a voice for the needs of children and youth in Oklahoma, particularly those in the state’s care and those growing up amid poverty, violence, abuse and neglect, disparities, or other situations that put their lives and future at risk. Our mission statement: “Creating awareness, taking action and supporting policy to improve the health, safety, and well-being of Oklahoma’s children.”
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