Celebrate July Fourth Safely in Escambia County

Escambia County would like to wish residents a safe and fun Fourth of July holiday celebrating America's 250th anniversary, while reminding everyone to follow these fireworks safety tips to make the most out of their holiday.

Remember: If you spot a brush or wildfire or if someone is injured, call 911.

According to the National Fire Prevention Association, fireworks started an estimated 34,079 fires in 2024, including 3,246 structure fires, 857 vehicle fires, 29,517 outside fires, and 459 unclassified fires. These fires caused an estimated 59 civilian injuries and $98 million in direct property damage.

Fireworks Regulations

• Escambia County allows fireworks on designated holidays as defined in Florida Statute 791.08 and outlined in County Ordinance Sec. 50-1, which includes July Fourth.
• Please note that fireworks are not allowed within City of Pensacola limits, per City Ordinance, except at permitted public fireworks displays. Sparklers are allowed. Click here for more information from the City of Pensacola.
• Escambia County's noise ordinance remains in effect on July Fourth, except as waived for permitted public fireworks displays.
• Escambia County ordinances prohibit fireworks in county parks, beaches, and any county recreational areas, which includes Pensacola Beach, except at permitted public fireworks displays.

Wildlife Safety

• Escambia County ordinances prohibit interfering with birds or wildlife in county parks and recreational areas, including Pensacola Beach.
• Shorebird information from Audubon Florida: Although beachside fireworks shows are entertaining to people, the bursts of color and noise wreak havoc on coastal birds - especially for nesting species. After each fireworks explosion, birds panic and fly from their nests, scattering the chicks and exposing them to predators and heat until their parents return. For this reason, it is better to attend a permitted public fireworks show.

Fireworks and Sparkler Safety Tips from Escambia County Fire Rescue

• Only purchase state-approved sparklers from licensed vendors.
• Read and follow all warnings and instructions.
• Do not use any unwrapped item that may have been tampered with.
• Light at arm's length and then stand back.
• Never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Never hold a lit firework item in your hand.
• Make sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
• Never have any portion of your body directly over a sparkler or firework when lighting the fuse. 
• Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house and flammable materials.
• Keep a bucket of water, sand, or a fire extinguisher handy in case of a malfunction or fire.
• If your fireworks fizzle and don't go off, consider them duds and douse them with water. Never relight a dud!
• Discard all products safely. Submerge used sparklers and fireworks in water prior to placing in household trash bins.

Fireworks and Pets

• Do not take your pet to fireworks displays.
• Do not leave your pet in the car while you watch a fireworks display. In only a matter of minutes, the heat in a car can cause serious health problems or even death.
• Be mindful of hot asphalt and sand. Keeping your dog on hot asphalt or sand even for short periods of time can cause severe burns to the pads of their feet.
• Keep pets indoors, if possible. Turn on the TV or radio as a distraction and close the curtains.
• If you must be outside with your pet, keep the pet on a leash or in a carrier at all times.
• Make sure your pet has proper identification tags with current information in case they run away.

NFPA Statistics

• In 2024, U.S hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 14,700 people for fireworks related injuries.
• A 1-month special study period between June 16, 2023 and July 16, 2023 found that nearly half of the fireworks-related injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments were to the extremities (35% hands and fingers, 8% legs, 5% arms) and 22% were to the head, face, and ears.
• Only 11% of the fireworks fires were structure fires but these incidents accounted for 77% of the civilian deaths, 83% of the civilian injuries, and 88% of the direct property damage.
• Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for 32% of the estimated 2023 injuries. These injury estimates were obtained or derived from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's 2023 Fireworks Annual Report.
• Sparklers account for 29% of fireworks injuries for children under the age of 5 treated in emergency rooms in the month around July 4.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks with your family is to participate in one of the following public fireworks displays:

• Pensacola's 4th of July Fireworks Show - Join Pensacola Young Professionals and the Greater Pensacola Chamber on Saturday, July 4 for one of the Gulf Coast's most anticipated Independence Day celebrations. This free community event will feature local food trucks, vendors, family-friendly activities, and a breathtaking fireworks display over Pensacola Bay.
• Event details:
  • Date: Saturday, July 4
  • Location: Pensacola Bayfront
  • Times:‍ Fireworks show: 9 p.m., Food trucks and vendors: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Symphony Sparks & Stars concert: 7 p.m.
  • Free and open to the public
  • Click here for an interactive event map.
  • Bring your family and friends, along with chairs, blankets, and a handheld radio, for an unforgettable evening along Pensacola's waterfront. Please leave pets at home. Personal fireworks and sparklers are prohibited.
  • Visit pensacolafireworks.com for more information.
• Pensacola Beach 4th of July Fireworks - The Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce's Fourth of July Fireworks display over the Santa Rosa Sound is set to begin on Saturday, July 4 at 9 p.m. The Beach Chamber fireworks and the Downtown Pensacola fireworks show combine each year for a spectacular dual Independence Day celebration. Both displays will be simulcast live on Cat Country 98.7 FM beginning at 9 p.m. with the National Anthem, followed by patriotic music synchronized to both shows. 
• Event details:
  • Date: Saturday, July 4
  • Location: Pensacola Beach Boardwalk
  • Times:‍ Fireworks show: 9 p.m., DJ Salty (Gulfside Pavilion Stage): 4-6 p.m., Pensacola Civic Band (Gulfside Pavilion Stage): 6:30-8:30 p.m.
  • Free and open to the public
  • Additional activities: Face painting, cotton candy stand, stilt walkers, and more family-friendly activities
  • Visit pensacolabeachchamber.com for more information.

For fire safety tips and other updates from Escambia County Fire Rescue, like Escambia County Fire Rescue on Facebook.