Last year in Minnesota, 59 people ended up in hospitals with fireworks injuries — 43 percent of them ages 19 and under. Children ages 9 and under accounted for 16 percent of fireworks injuries in 2019, many of which were caused by sparklers. Fire officials are also concerned about property damage. Fireworks caused $190,351 in damage to homes and other structures in Minnesota last June and July.
With the cancellation of many public fireworks shows this year, Minnesota firefighters are bracing for an uptick in fireworks injuries and property damage as people put on their own fireworks celebrations. he Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division is asking Minnesotans to find safe and creative alternatives for celebrating Independence Day to prevent injuries and help reduce the strain on first responders and emergency rooms.