MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla – Miami-Dade Fire Rescue conducted safety sweeps Friday at fireworks vendors across the county ahead of the holiday weekend to ensure illegal fireworks are not sold.
July 4 is one of three state-approved holidays where Floridians are allowed to use certain fireworks that can explode or become airborne.
Authorities said MDFR inspectors will be visiting various fireworks locations, including 11800 Mills Dr. in Miami, and will be available to talk about the potential dangers of using illegal fireworks, as well as to share fireworks safety information.
Officials are suggesting the public to only purchase fireworks from licensed vendors.
They also recommend checking the packaging before you buy, as well as the expiration date.
A new report by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) finds a significant upward trend in fireworks-related injuries.
Between 2006 and 2021, injuries with fireworks climbed 25% in the U.S., according to CPSC estimates.
The CPSC said at least nine people died and an estimated 11,500 were injured in incidents involving fireworks in 2022.
Last year, at least nine people died, and an estimated 11,500 were injured in incidents involving fireworks.
For tips on how to practice fireworks safety, watch the video at the top of the page.