Multiple July 4 Fireworks Injuries, Fires Reported: Hillsborough County Fire Rescue

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Hillsborough County Fire Rescue responded to multiple fire-related and traumatic injury incidents directly caused by fireworks over the July 4 holiday weekend, the agency said.

Traumatic injuries include:

• Two people who suffered hand injuries resulting in partial or full amputations.
• A boy less than 10 years old who was rushed to surgery after shrapnel from a PVC launch tube pierced his chest.
• Multiple patients with significant trauma and damage to ear drums from fireworks use.
• Three trauma alerts transported as an emergency to Tampa General Hospital.

Fire incidents reported include:

• A moving truck that caught fire after a firework shoot.
• Fireworks igniting rags and wood after being shot into a garage.
• A neighborhood clubhouse sustaining major damage due to fireworks.
• Discarded fireworks put in an exterior garbage can burning an adjacent garage.
• Discarded fireworks lighting a carpet, and spreading fire into a house and attic.
• Discarded fireworks causing a fire in the bed of a truck.
• Discarded fireworks causing a fire to an apartment door entryway.

See Also:

• Teen Hospitalized After Lightning Strikes Family At FL Beach On July 4: Reports
• Murder Charge Filed In 2022 Fatal Liquor Store Shooting: Hillsborough County Sheriff
• Woman Hospitalized After Driving Into St. Pete Home: Police
• Man Walking Along U.S. 301 Hit, Killed By Pickup Truck: FL Highway Patrol
• Tampa Man Who Embezzled $503K From St. Pete Company Sentenced: U.S. DOJ

“These are preventable tragedies. Improper use and careless disposal of fireworks can destroy homes, cause lifelong injuries, financial burden or worse,” HCFR said. “Please, leave fireworks to the professionals.”

Get The Latest Local News (For Free!) With One Quick Tap