When a consumer firework exceeds federal limits on explosive components it is sometimes referred to as "overloaded." A more correct term is "illegal," and they aren't safe.

In 2021, AFSL began meeting with State Fire Marshals and other fire services personnel to teach them how to dissect and analyze the contents of various fireworks devices so they could establish reasonable grounds (probable cause) to investigate the possible sale and storage of illegal explosives being marketed as consumer fireworks, along with other potentially dangerous pyrotechnic devices that might violate their state laws and regulations.

AFSL approaches year-end with mixed feeling about fireworks-related injuries we’ve investigated in 2022.

Here are the "By the Numbers" statistics for 2022 so far, through September.

On March 21, 1989, articles of incorporation were filed in Florence, Alabama, for an organization initially known as the National Fireworks Counsel …