Will the misuse of fireworks land you in jail? See what GA law says

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In 2024, there were 14,000 injuries and 11 deaths from firework-related incidents in the U.S., according to emergency room reports and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Credit: Bryce Carithers / Pexels

Each Fourth of July, fireworks cause thousands of injuries and deaths nationwide.

Many injuries come from people being irresponsible with projectile fireworks and aiming them at each other. However, if someone fires a firework rocket at you for the sake of a joke or in an attempt to harm you, then you could press charges.

Charges for shooting fireworks at people

Multiple parties can be responsible in situations when fireworks are fired at others and cause harm. Most applicable charges depend on the intention behind shooting the firework.

If you are injured by a firework due to someone else’s negligence or accidental actions, there may be grounds to file a personal injury claim against the responsible party or parties in pursuit of compensation.

Additionally, if someone intentionally takes aim and hits you with a firework rocket, you can report battery, simple assault or aggravated assault, depending on the caliber of the firework.

This means that the consequences from harming someone with a firework could range from legal lawsuit fines to felony charges and a minimum of one year in jail. To report an incident where you’re hit by a firework, whether it’s accidental or intentional, call the police.

There are several tips and tricks online for preventing accidents while handling fireworks, but in the case of an emergency, it’s best to know how to assist someone based on what kind of injury they have.

The first step in preventing an accident moving forward is by practicing firework safety tips to minimize any damage or injuries.

Sparklers/Roman candles/fountains

Sparklers are simple-looking, handheld fireworks sometimes given to children, since most people see them as safer than rockets. Despite their semi-harmless reputation, sparklers tend to burn at around 2,000°F, so severe burn injuries are still quite common.

The same goes for Roman candles and fountains, which vertically shoot sparks out from ground level at the same heat as sparklers, if not hotter.

According to the American Red Cross, to treat injuries from sparklers, more specifically thermal burns, you should:

• Remove surrounding clothing or jewelry that isn’t stuck to the burn site.
• Call 911 and report the injury in detail to them.
• Run the burn area under cool, NOT COLD water. Using ice or cold water could cause further damage.
• Keep the burn uncovered unless emergency services instruct you to do otherwise.

Aerial fireworks

Fireworks that shoot off into the air are much more unpredictable than sparklers and ground fireworks, which are stationary. Calling emergency services should still be the first step in getting treatment for the injury. If a firework is fired at someone directly or explodes near them, there are a few things you can do to prevent the worsening of injuries:

If the rocket only hits or grazes you from direct contact…

• Get away from the fireworks right away and douse the rocket with water after it is no longer visibly ignited.
• Check for punctures, cuts and any other wounds caused by the impact of the rocket.
• If there are any impact wounds, make sure to keep them clean in case of infection until EMS arrives.

If you’re caught in the explosion of a firework…

• Check clothing or skin for burn marks or singed cloth.
• If there are burns on the skin, apply cool water as you would with thermal burns.
• Protect your eyes in case of flying debris. If any debris enters the eye, immediately get to the nearest emergency room.
• Check for any damage to the ears or loss of hearing, as too close of an explosion could cause ruptured eardrums.
• Watch for any materials from fireworks entering your mouth or landing on your skin, as they can cause severe irritation or chemical burning.

This story comes to GPB through a reporting partnership with Macon Telegraph.