For Immediate Release: NC Office of State Fire Marshal Reports 3 Fatalities and More Than $4.3 Million in Fireworks-Related Damage Over Fourth of July Holiday
The North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM) is urging residents to use extreme caution with consumer fireworks after investigations from across the state documented dozens of fireworks-related fires, injuries, and fatalities during the Fourth of July holiday.
Preliminary reports received by OSFM and local fire investigators identified 27 fireworks-related incidents resulting in:
- 22 residential fires
- 3 commercial property fires
- 2 vehicle fires
- 5 injuries
- 3 fatalities
- More than $4.3 million in estimated property damage
Many of the incidents shared common causes, including improperly discarded fireworks, fireworks placed in trash containers before they had completely cooled, aerial fireworks landing on homes or neighboring properties, and fireworks being used in an unsafe manner.
Among the most tragic incidents was an apartment fire that claimed the life of a 7-year-old child after an unsecured aerial firework began firing horizontally, entered a residence through a window, and ignited a couch. Two other people were injured, and a woman has been charged with involuntary manslaughter.
In another heartbreaking incident, two people lost their lives after a fire believed to have originated from fireworks debris on a residential porch. One victim re-entered the home to retrieve personal belongings, while the second entered in an attempt to rescue the first before the roof collapsed.
Several other fires destroyed or heavily damaged homes after spent fireworks were placed in garbage cans or left beside structures, allowing hidden embers to ignite hours after celebrations had ended. Investigators also documented incidents involving juveniles misusing fireworks, resulting in serious hand injuries and significant property damage, including a commercial fire caused when a mortar was intentionally discharged inside a retail store.
"These incidents are a sobering reminder that fireworks remain one of the most dangerous ways to celebrate our nation's independence," said State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor. "Behind every statistic is a family whose holiday ended in tragedy. We encourage everyone to leave fireworks to trained professionals and make safety their top priority.
OSFM reminds residents that even after fireworks appear to be extinguished, they can retain enough heat to ignite trash, vegetation, homes, and vehicles hours later. Fireworks should always be soaked thoroughly in water before disposal, never discarded in plastic trash containers until completely cooled, and never used by children without close adult supervision.
The Office of State Fire Marshal also encourages North Carolinians to:
- Keep fireworks away from homes, vehicles, dry grass, and combustible materials.
- Never relight a malfunctioning firework.
- Keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby whenever using legal consumer fireworks.
- Never point or throw fireworks toward people, homes, or vehicles.
- Attend professional fireworks displays
OSFM extends its appreciation to the firefighters, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, and fire investigators who responded to these incidents across North Carolina during the holiday weekend
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
