Fireworks Spark Catastrophic Hand Injury, Garage Fire, Arrests For Illegal Show

A teen was seriously injured while handling fireworks July 4 in Prince George's County, more than 1,300 illegal fireworks were confiscated in Harford County during the holiday weekend and fireworks are being blamed for a garage fire in Wicomico County.

A 14-year-old Prince George's teenage boy was using fireworks when he suffered a "catastrophic hand injury" the night of July 4. He was taken to a local hospital where he underwent emergency surgery, according to the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Investigators confirmed the fireworks involved were not legally permitted in Maryland and the injuries are expected to result in permanent damage.

"This is exactly why fireworks should never be in children's hands, especially when illegal and unregulated," said Maryland Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray. "A holiday meant for celebration turned into a life-changing tragedy for this young man and his family."

In a separate incident, deputy state fire marshals helped the Harford County Sheriff's Office after they responded to reports of an illegal fireworks show in the Box Hill community of Abingdon. After the event was stopped by law enforcement, authorities confiscated more than 1,300 fireworks, including dangerous aerial devices prohibited in Maryland.

Charges are pending for those involved, officials noted.

"Let this serve as a reminder to anyone considering an unpermitted fireworks show," said Mowbray. "The incident in Abingdon was entirely avoidable. The community's HOA could have easily sponsored the event by submitting a small permit fee, providing proof of insurance and hiring a licensed fireworks company. That simple process would have made it a safe and legal celebration, instead of one that ended with fireworks being confiscated and public safety put at risk."

Also over the holiday weekend, improperly discarded fireworks caused a fire in Wicomico County, igniting a garage and causing approximately $3,000 in damage. No injuries were reported.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal continues to remind Marylanders that many fireworks sold in neighboring states are illegal to possess or use in Maryland. Only handheld and ground-based sparkling devices are legal in jurisdictions that allow them.

Fireworks Safety Reminders from the Office of the State Fire Marshal:

• Never allow children to handle or ignite fireworks.
• Soak used fireworks in water before disposal.
• Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby during use.
• Only use legal fireworks in permitted jurisdictions.
• Never relight a “dud” firework.