Rising Fireworks Use and Summer Heat Elevate Wildfire Risk: APCIA Urges Extreme Caution and Immediate Home Hardening Ahead of Fourth of July

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - As the summer fire season intensifies across the West, the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) is urging residents-especially in wildfire-prone areas-to take immediate steps to protect their homes, finances, and communities, and to use extreme caution with fireworks this Fourth of July.

Warmer temperatures, drying vegetation, and heavy fuel growth following recent wet years are increasing wildfire risk across California and other western states. Fireworks remain a significant source of preventable fires and pose an even greater threat under these conditions, particularly as Americans spend approximately $2.2 billion annually on consumer fireworks.

"The combination of dry fuels, rising temperatures, and increased fireworks use are creating a dangerous environment for fast-moving wildfires," said Karen Collins, APCIA vice president, property & environmental policy. "One spark can travel long distances and ignite a devastating fire-putting entire communities at risk."

Recent data highlight the severity of the risk:

• The National Fire Protection Association reports fireworks sparked more than 32,000 fires in a single year, including thousands of structure fires causing significant damage.
• The Consumer Products Safety Commission reports nearly 14,700 people were injured and 11 died in 2024 due to fireworks-related incidents.

"Too many of these fires and injuries are preventable," Collins added. "This Fourth of July, safety must come first-starting with responsible choices and strong home protection."

Start Where It Matters Most: The First 5 Feet Around Your Home

APCIA is emphasizing one of the most effectivesteps homeowners can take: creating a 0-5 foot ember-resistant zone, also known as the "safety zone."

This immediate area around a home is the most critical for wildfire survival, as wind-driven embers are the leading cause of homes igniting during wildfires.

• The first five feet around your home is most critical to whether it survives a wildfire.
• Embers can travel a mile or more ahead of a fire, igniting anything combustible near structures.

Take action now in the five-foot safety zone:

• Remove all dead plants, dry leaves, and debris from gutters, roof, and five-foot safety zone
• Replace wood mulch with gravel, pavers, or concrete
• Move firewood, patio furniture, and other combustible items away from the home
• Replace vents with 1/8^th mesh or screens
• Replace wood fencing with metal fencing in the five-foot near the home

"If you only take one step this summer, start with the first five feet," Collins said. "Creating a clean, noncombustible zone around your home dramatically reduces the chance that embers will ignite it."

Wildfire Preparedness: Protect Your Finances and Property

Financial Readiness

• Review your insurance policy and confirm adequate coverage to rebuild (cost to rebuild a home has increased 47 percent since 2020)
• Understand replacement cost vs. actual cash value coverage
• Update coverage after renovations or major purchases
• Create a detailed home inventory with photos and receipts
• Store copies of documents in a secure, separate location

Fireworks Safety: Prevent the Spark

• Follow all local laws and restrictions
• Never use fireworks near dry grass or brush
• Keep water or a hose nearby
• Never allow children to handle fireworks
• Fully extinguish fireworks and campfires
• Consider attending professional displays instead

A Simple Choice Can Prevent a Catastrophe

"Wildfires don't just threaten forests-they threaten homes, finances, and entire communities," Collins said. "With smart preparation and safer choices, we can reduce the risk. This Fourth of July, protect what matters most."