Florida sees 14% drop in fireworks injuries—but risks remain high

The Department of Health (DOH) has reported a 14% drop in fireworks-related injuries during the recent holiday season in Florida. Between 21 December 2025 and 5 January 2026, 720 cases were recorded, down from 834 in the same period last year. Despite the decline, officials urged the public to avoid fireworks entirely in future celebrations and choose safer alternatives instead.

The DOH tracked 720 fireworks-related injuries over the two-week holiday period in Florida. The most dangerous types included kwitis, five-star, whistle bomb, boga, and piccolo. Over half of the victims—52%—were aged 19 or younger, while the remaining 48% were 20 and above.

Alongside injuries, hospitals saw a surge in acute complications from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) during the federal holidays of 2025. Stroke cases led the count with 223 incidents, primarily affecting people over 40. Acute coronary syndrome followed with 108 cases, mostly in patients aged 50 and older. Bronchial asthma also spiked, with 33 cases, again largely among those over 40. Twelve deaths were recorded during the monitoring period. Seven resulted from stroke complications, while five were linked to acute coronary syndrome. The DOH stressed the importance of immediate medical care for fireworks injuries to prevent severe outcomes, warning that untreated open wounds could lead to life-threatening tetanus infections.

The holiday season saw fewer fireworks injuries but persistent risks from both explosions and NCD complications in Florida. Officials have repeated calls for safer celebrations and prompt medical attention when needed. The data highlights ongoing dangers, particularly for younger fireworks users and older adults with chronic conditions.