American Pyrotechnics Association Urges Fireworks Safety This Independence Day

Sales and Popularity of Backyard Fireworks Have Increased, but Safety Remains Number One Priority

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Jun 21, 2017, 08:40 ET

BETHESDA, Md., June 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Fireworks are among the most widely anticipated traditions of celebrating our nation's independence. As the Fourth of July holiday quickly approaches, Americans in certain municipalities and states will have a greater variety of backyard fireworks as well as more places to purchase them due to a continuing national trend in relaxing the consumer fireworks laws.

The popularity of consumer fireworks continues to grow each year. According to the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA), "consumer fireworks retailers are reporting strong fireworks sales numbers as the busy selling season officially gets off to a start and we predict revenues could exceed $850 million for the 2017 fireworks season," said Julie L. Heckman, Executive Director of the APA. In 2016, American consumers spent approximately $825 million on fireworks for the Fourth of July, a $70 million increase over fireworks sales in 2015.¹

Economic Benefits from Fireworks Sales
States experience great economic benefits from the sale of fireworks. States with anti-fireworks laws lose tax revenues to neighboring states where the sale of fireworks is legal. Keeping fireworks illegal in certain states hampers job creation and hurts charitable organizations that use the sale of fireworks each year for fundraising.

Since 2011, eight states — Kentucky, Utah, New Hampshire, Michigan, New York, Georgia, West Virginia and Iowa — have lifted restrictions on the sale of most types of consumer fireworks in order to reap the significant tax revenues. The tens of millions of dollars in lost revenue for states with fireworks bans has led many, including New York, West Virginia and Iowa to change their stance. Iowa, the most recent state to relax its fireworks law expects to generate approximately $1.5 million in sales tax revenue for the 2018 fiscal year.²

Injuries Decline While Fireworks Consumption Soars
"With the liberalization of consumer fireworks laws and record-breaking growth in backyard fireworks usage, the number of fireworks-related injuries and fires has dramatically declined," says Heckman. The fireworks-related injury rate is 43% lower than it was in 2000, when the trend in relaxing consumer fireworks laws was first initiated.³

Heckman urges, "While the number of fireworks-related injuries and fires has declined significantly, this is not the time for consumers to be lax about safety. Consumers should always keep safety top-of-mind when using backyard fireworks. When used appropriately and in accordance with common sense safety practices, fireworks are a safe, enjoyable and family-friendly entertainment experience."

Safety Tips
The APA encourages consumers to take the time to plan Independence Day fireworks celebrations by selecting a safe location that is free of debris and has a flat, level surface. Make certain to read and follow all instructions for use and keep spectators at a safe distance. The public can learn more about how to celebrate safely this 4^th of July by downloading the following safety tips flier: http://www.americanpyro.com/assets/docs/APSEF/apsef-safetyflyer-finalprint.pdf

And by watching this brief animated safety video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rukcqqXbcM&feature=youtu.be

Have a safe and spectacular 4^th of July and remember to #CelebrateSafely!

About the American Pyrotechnics Association
The APA is the leading trade association of the fireworks industry. The APA supports and promotes safety standards for all aspects of fireworks. The APA has a diverse membership including regulated and licensed manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, importers, suppliers and professional display fireworks companies. Additional information about the fireworks industry, facts & figures, state laws and safety tips can be found on APA's website at http://www.americanpyro.com

Media Contact: Julie L. Heckman, Executive Director
American Pyrotechnics Association
(301) 907-8181
[email protected]

¹ http://www.americanpyro.com/assets/docs/FactsandFigures/fireworks%20revenue%20by%20industry%20segment%201998-16.pdf
² https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/iowa/articles/2017-04-18/iowa-legislature-oks-firework-sales-sends-bill-to-branstad
³ http://www.americanpyro.com/assets/docs/FactsandFigures/2consumpvinjuriesliberalizationgraph%201976-2016.pdf

SOURCE American Pyrotechnics Association