National Expansion of Bucket Brigade Program Helps Communities Reduce Fire Risks During Historic Fourth of July

/PRNewswire/ -- With Americans gearing up for the country's 250th birthday on the Fourth of July, the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) is urging households and local groups everywhere to place fireworks safety at the heart of their festivities.

Fireworks have formed a key part of U.S. Independence Day events since July 4, 1777, when Philadelphia marked the first anniversary of freedom using displays, bonfires, bells, and cannon blasts. Two and a half centuries on, they continue as one of the country's strongest emblems of patriotism and festivity.

"With the nation coming together to mark 250 years of liberty, we can create a Fourth of July that stands as one of the safest on record," said Julie L. Heckman, Executive Director of the American Pyrotechnics Association. "Stronger safety rules, improved public outreach, and fresh efforts such as the Bucket Brigade program now give Americans greater tools to mark the day responsibly."

For many years the fireworks sector has partnered with safety experts, officials, fire leaders, and teachers to tighten standards and raise awareness. Legal consumer fireworks in the United States meet strict federal rules and testing set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Progress in design, better fusing, safer packaging, clearer labels, and wider education campaigns have built a deeper nationwide focus on responsible use.

Federal injury figures from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), reported by the American Fireworks Standards Laboratory, show roughly 13,000 people received treatment for fireworks injuries in 2025, a 12 percent drop from 2024. Though education must continue, the trend points to real gains even as more people take part.

One ongoing concern is the safe handling of spent fireworks after use.

To tackle this, the American Pyrotechnics Safety and Education Foundation (APSEF) has grown its Bucket Brigade effort, which asks users to drop used fireworks into a bucket of water and let them soak overnight before throwing them away.

"The Bucket Brigade ranks among the easiest and strongest safety steps we have introduced," Heckman noted. "Many do not know that spent fireworks can stay hot and may flare up again once the show ends. A bucket of water can change the outcome."

The effort has already shown clear results. In Colorado, 18 fire departments joined and handed out nearly 2,000 buckets across the state. Areas taking part saw fewer fireworks fires, with one reporting no calls tied to personal fireworks during the holiday.

With the program spreading nationwide before July Fourth, APA invites fire departments, sellers, firms, civic groups, and community leaders to join by giving out buckets, sharing safety tips, and supporting careful practices.

"The strongest safety answers are often simple, reachable, and driven by the community," Heckman said. "When families, businesses, and local groups join forces, all gain."

APA advises consumers to obey local rules, follow product directions, keep water close at hand, and dispose of used fireworks by soaking them overnight before adding them to the trash.

"While marking 250 years of American freedom, we can show that safety and enjoyment work together," Heckman stated. "The aim is clear: everyone gets home safely once the final firework fades."

About the American Pyrotechnics Association

The American Pyrotechnics Association serves as the main trade group for the fireworks field, representing makers, distributors, sellers, suppliers, and professional display firms. It supports safety, rule compliance, and public outreach while promoting the careful use of fireworks across the United States.

Media Contact:
Julie L. Heckman
Executive Director
American Pyrotechnics Association
(301) 907-8181

SOURCE American Pyrotechnics Association