The Fourth of July got a little too explosive in Palm Beach County this year. At least 10 people were treated at local hospitals for fireworks-related injuries over the holiday weekend, including a severe hand and finger wound that led to an amputation. Firefighters also hustled to dozens of small blazes across the county as backyard shows lit up the night. Hospital and fire officials said the wave of calls was serious but still within what they typically see around the holiday.
According to CBS12, a trauma surgeon at Delray Medical Center said the 10 cases included serious eye and hand trauma and that at least two victims were taken to Delray for higher-level care. The surgeon told CBS12 that a total of ten injuries is about average for a July Fourth weekend and recommended leaving fireworks to professionals.
Fire-rescue fields 29 overnight fires
Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue reported that crews were dispatched to 29 fires between 8 p.m. on July 4 and 2 a.m. on July 5, including 11 brush fires, 15 trash or dumpster fires and two structure fires, per WPTV. Officials said firefighters quickly contained the scenes and did not report major property damage. The department did not provide figures on how many of the incidents involved fireworks.
Worst injuries: eye trauma and a missing digit
Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue’s community education supervisor told reporters the worst injuries included an eye trauma and a severe hand wound that left at least one person with a missing digit, according to CBS12. County staff said responding crews focused on getting those with the most serious wounds rapidly transported to trauma centers.
How this compares nationally
Nationally, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported at least 15 fireworks-related deaths and an estimated 13,000 emergency-department treated injuries in 2025, with burns accounting for about 38% of ER visits, per the CPSC. The federal agency said many severe incidents stem from device malfunctions, tip-overs or user misuse and urged people to choose professional shows over backyard displays.
Officials’ fireworks safety reminders
Local safety officials echoed that guidance, pointing to precautions such as keeping children and bystanders well away from ignition points, having a bucket of water or a hose ready, and never handling illegal or homemade fireworks. Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue's community education page outlines similar steps. For local prevention resources, see Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue.
Holiday spikes in fireworks calls are familiar to hospital trauma teams, but for the people hurt this weekend the consequences can be long-lasting. Anyone injured by fireworks should seek immediate medical care and report dangerous products to federal safety channels.
