American Pyrotechnics Association Predicts a Banner Year for Consumer Fireworks Sales

Bethesda, MD, June 23, 2014 –As Independence Day quickly approaches, consumers are visiting the thousands of fireworks retail sales establishments across the nation to stock up on sparklers, cones, fountains and many other varieties of consumer firework devices for their backyard celebrations.  Americans in certain states will have a greater variety of fireworks, as well as more places to purchase them due to a national trend in relaxing the consumer fireworks laws.     

According to the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA), consumer fireworks retailers have reported that sales are off to a brisk start. The APA predicts a banner year for fireworks sales as long as “Mother Nature” cooperates and provides good weather for the long Fourth of July holiday weekend.  Despite the sluggish economy, consumer fireworks revenues have climbed steadily from $600 million in 2006, to $662 million in 2013.   “If sales remain strong through July 4, and the weather cooperates, consumer fireworks revenues could exceed $675 million for the 2014 fireworks season,” says Julie L. Heckman, Executive Director of the APA.

Backyard fireworks have never been more popular or more in demand. Since 2000, there has been an on-going proliferation of state and local legislation to relax consumer fireworks laws and lift fireworks prohibitions.[1]   46 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, allow the sale and use of some types of consumer fireworks. 

“With the liberalization of consumer fireworks laws and record-breaking growth in backyard fireworks usage, the number of fireworks-related injuries and fires has dramatically declined,” says Heckman.   The fireworks-related injury rate is 43% lower than it was in 2000, when the trend in relaxing consumer fireworks laws was first initiated.[2]  Additionally, data released by the U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS), indicates that since 2000, fireworks-related fires have declined by more than 50% and are among the lowest level in three decades.   “I cannot think of one other consumer product on the market today that has experienced such record-breaking growth in consumption, yet achieved such a sharp decline in both injuries and fires,” added Heckman. 

Heckman, urges, “While the number of fireworks-related injuries and fires have declined significantly, this is not the time for consumers to be lax about safety.  Consumers should always keep safety top-of-mind by following common sense safety tips when using backyard fireworks as well as obeying all local fireworks laws. [3]

About the American Pyrotechnics Association

The APA is the leading trade association of the fireworks industry.  The APA supports and promotes safety standards for all aspects of fireworks.  The APA has a diverse membership including regulated and licensed manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, retailers, and professional display companies.   Additional information about the fireworks industry, facts & figures, history of fireworks, state laws and safety tips, can be found on APA’s website at www.americanpyro.com.

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