As Independence Day approaches, fireworks become the centerpiece of celebration for many, but the risks associated with these pyrotechnics can quickly turn a festive occasion into a dangerous one. Nick Beheng learned this the hard way in 2012 when an error with illegal fireworks resulted in severe injuries. "I made a mistake, one little mistake that almost killed me," Beheng said, according to a Department of Public Safety (DPS) news conference in 2016. The incident left him with a blown hole in his chest and a partially severed thumb after mistakenly lighting a mortar shell upside down.
In 2024, the State Fire Marshal (SFM) division reported 26 fireworks-related injuries and over $415,000 in property damages. Beheng's story serves as a cautionary tale, urging people to treat fireworks with the same respect and caution one would afford a loaded firearm. Even legal fireworks can pose significant threats, as State Fire Marshal Daniel Krier pointed out in the DPS briefing. Krier highlighted the common underestimation of the dangers of seemingly innocuous items such as sparklers, which can indeed reach temperatures hot enough to melt metal.
While Minnesota laws allow certain non-explosive and non-aerial consumer fireworks, including sparklers and ground spinners, items like firecrackers, bottle rockets, and mortar shells remain illegal. These regulations aim to reduce the chances of accidents like Beheng's. Yet, even with legal fireworks, precautions are essential. Krier advised the public to operate in an open space away from flammable materials, to keep vigilant watch over children and pets, and to thoroughly soak used fireworks before disposal.
Celebrating safely requires adhering to guidelines and using common sense. "One little mistake can make the difference between life and death," Beheng told the DPS, a sobering reminder for those tempted to casually light up the sky. If the urge to see pyrotechnic displays proves too strong, opting for a licensed show in your area might be the safest bet. This Fourth of July, in the pursuit of creating lasting memories, it's essential to remember that it only takes one careless moment to ignite unintended consequences.
