---
title: Fireworks Facts and Figures
description: Enjoy 4th of July with fireworks. Fireworks history. Fireworks safety tips.  Plus the interesting link between fireworks and aluminum.
---

<https://www.jwaluminum.com/jw-blog>

# [Fireworks Facts and Figures](https://www.jwaluminum.com/jw-blog/fireworks-facts-and-figures-0)

 Written by [JW Aluminum](https://www.jwaluminum.com/jw-blog/author/americasmetal) | Jul 4, 2023 2:06:29 PM

We use fireworks to celebrate many occasions - especially on the 4th of July.

Did you know?

- The first commemorative Independence Day fireworks were set off on July 4, 1777, quite possibly at the suggestion of America's first VP - [John Adams](https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2015/07/02/why-fireworks-on-the-fourth-of-july-john-adams-thats-why/).
- Fireworks are chemical reactions - two or more substances coming together to form something new. 
- Fireworks get their bright colors by burning elements.
- Each element produces a different color.
- Our favorite element, aluminum. produces silvery white flames.
- Aluminum is also one of the main components in a sparklers.
- Sparklers can get REALLY hot - 2000 degrees! Almost twice melting point of aluminum, aka, molten metal!
- The longest sparkler ever made was 12 feet long, crafted at the New Jersey Fireworks Manufacturing Co. Inc.
- Macy's 4th of July fireworks show commonly considered the [largest in the country](https://www.6sqft.com/macys-fireworks-by-the-numbers-the-tricks-and-stats-behind-the-nations-largest-4th-of-july-show/) - firing off 3,000 different shells a minute, 75,000 shells in total.
- Kentucky is giving Macy's a run for the money. [Thunder Over Louisville](https://thunderoverlouisville.org/113-2/), part of the Kentucky Derby Festival. According to their website, "In just 24 years, what started as a better than average fireworks display has become the pinnacle of pyrotechnics. Thunder is the nation’s largest annual fireworks event."
- Leave it to the pros! That's absolutely the safest way to enjoy the holidays.
- Fireworks are illegal in many areas. If you choose not to leave it to the pros, be sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them. 
- Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks. 
- Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly. 
- Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
- Never point or throw fireworks at anyone
- Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
- Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs. 44% of victims of firework related deaths had used alcohol or drugs prior to the incident.
- Keep a bucket of water or garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap.
- After fireworks complete their burning, to prevent a trash fire, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device.
- If you REALLY like fireworks and want to go out - literally go out - with a bang - check out [Heavenly Stars Fireworks](https://heavenlystarsfireworks.com/).

Be safe and enjoy your holiday!

 

Sources: [US Consumer Product Safety Commission,](https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2021/Fireworks-Related-Injuries-and-Deaths-Spiked-During-the-COVID-19-Pandemic#:~:text=Firecrackers%20were%20the%20biggest%20source,followed%20by%20sparklers%20(900).) [policygenius.com, smithsonianmag.com](https://www.policygenius.com/)

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