News12 New York
Where to Watch
Download the App
Local
Crime
Weather
beWell
The East End
Crime Files

Local first responders warn of dangers of setting off fireworks ahead of Fourth of July festivities

Fairfield police say they’ve been responding to an increasing number of fireworks complaints each year. They want to make sure residents know the laws and things to keep in mind.

News 12 Staff

Jun 29, 2023, 6:07 AM

Updated

Share:

More Stories

The National Fire Protection Association says fireworks start more than 19,000 fires across the U.S. each year. So what can you do to be as safe as possible this Fourth of July?

Fairfield police say they’ve been responding to an increasing number of fireworks complaints each year. They want to make sure residents know the laws surrounding fireworks usage.

MORE: 7 tips to keep your pets safe during the July Fourth celebration

In Connecticut, aerial and explosive fireworks are illegal — only sparklers and fountains are legal. Those 16 and older can buy legal fireworks.

Even sparklers can burn at temperatures of 2,000 degrees which can cause serious burns. Officials say make sure fireworks are properly doused with water before throwing them away.

MORE: July is Fireworks Safety Month! Here are 9 fireworks safety tips

That means have a garden hose or a bucket of water nearby when using fireworks, and be sure to not throw them directly in the trash. Instead, put them in a separate container.

And if a firework doesn’t discharge, do not pick it up. Instead let it sit, then douse it.

Fairfield police say residents can call them if they see any illegal fireworks being used.

More Stories

Top Stories

01:45
RTWCHVLawlerCampaignJHopwood4pm_2026-04-12-16-13-14

Rep. Mike Lawler kicks off re-election bid in key Hudson Valley battleground district 

01:49
F 12 Hr Planner 2 (3)

Big warmup coming to the Hudson Valley this week

01:07
RTWCHVMonseyMarriageIssuesCWilkinsonVOSOT4pm_2026-04-12-16-14-01

'Free Adeena.' Rally held in Monsey in support for woman to get religious divorce document

00:31
WCStateOTNumbersNew_2026-04-12-10-26-28

DiNapoli: $1.6 billion in state agency overtime driven largely by prison staff

AP26102077651829

Trump threatens Strait of Hormuz blockade after US-Iran ceasefire talks end without agreement

03:03
RTBXALLGrandCentralStabJCalixto10pm_2026-04-11-22-11-45

Grand Central Station stabbing suspect shot by police dies

01:56
RTWCHVYonkersCharityHockeyCWilkinson9pm_2026-04-11-21-28-48

Yonkers police and Yonkers firefighters face off in the annual charity ice hockey game

01:52
RTWCHVRt22IssuesJHopwood4pm_2026-04-11-16-30-14

'Dangerous. Frustrating.' Commuters demand fixes on Route 22 in North White Plains

01:49
RTWCHVYouthAviationExpoABrown4pm_2026-04-11-16-30-55

Youth Aviation Expo introduces students to careers in the airways

00:27
411yonkersexplosives_subclip_2026-04-11-07-48-04

Yonkers teen accused of detonating homemade explosives inside park porta-potty

01:25
WC 10P FRI_PutnamPetDaycare_ajc_2026-04-10-22-07-06

Owner of Mahopac pet boarding facility accused of animal abuse

00:44
WC 10P FRI_Roundtable_ajc_2026-04-10-22-10-50

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent visits Westchester County

01:42
0410poughkeepsiecompromisedbuilding_2026-04-10-17-11-42

Historic Poughkeepsie home torn down to avoid collapse or damage to other buildings

01:52
blaise bride scam

Hudson Valley bride out $1,500 after wedding videography company shuts down

01:18
MTWCHillcrest0410_2026-04-10-17-49-30

Inspectors find more than a dozen violations at Ramapo home after fire

01:47
0410ossiningprocession_2026-04-10-17-15-52

Joseph Burton Jr., longest-tenured police chief in Ossining, laid to rest

01:22
blaise new windsor

New Windsor man charged with murder in neighbor dispute shooting

01:21
WC 5PM_CityCenterAssault_ajc_2026-04-10-17-06-45

Queens man charged in alleged stairwell rape at White Plains City Center

02:43
AP26101005788713

Artemis II astronauts return from moon with a splashdown to close out a record-breaking lunar voyage

00:28
0410masters4thgrader_2026-04-10-12-29-16

Hudson Valley 4th grader places second in "Drive, Chip and Putt" finals at August National

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices