The Brainerd Fire Department wants you to enjoy the 4th of July weekend with your
family and friends; but we ask that you leave the fireworks to the professionals.
Every year, as Independence Day approaches, neighborhoods across the Brainerd
Lakes Area light up with excitement. While we all love gathering together for barbecues,
lake time, and a great show, the reality of handling backyard fireworks comes with
severe risks. As your Fire Chief, my number one priority is ensuring every member of
our community stays safe and out of harm’s way this 4
th of July.

It is important to understand what is legally permitted in our state. Minnesota has clear
boundaries regarding consumer fireworks.
● Only non-explosive, ground-based novelty items are legal for personal use.
● Any fireworks that explode or leave the ground are illegal to use without a
certified operator permit. This includes firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman
candles, mortars, and aerial shells.
Many people view sparklers as a harmless childhood tradition, but they are actually one
of the leading causes of holiday injuries.
A standard wire sparkler burns at temperatures between 1,200°F and 2,000°F. To put
that in perspective, glass melts at around 1,600°F, and wood combusts at roughly
575°F.
When a child holds a sparkler, they are holding an industrial-intensity heat source. It
takes only a fraction of a second of contact with skin or clothing to cause a severe,
life-altering third-degree burn.
If you do choose to let your children use legal sparklers, please maintain constant,
arm’s-length supervision and ensure they immediately drop the spent hot wires into a
bucket of water.
Simple Backyard Safety Rules
If you choose to use legal, ground-based consumer novelties on your private property,
please protect your family and neighbors by following these strict guidelines:
1. Keep Water Nearby: Always have a charged garden hose or a large bucket of
water immediately next to where you are lighting.
2. One at a Time: Light only one device at a time and never attempt to re-light a
“dud.” If a device fails to ignite, let it sit for 20 minutes, then submerge it
completely in a bucket of water.

3. Clear the Area: Use fireworks only on hard, flat, non-combustible surfaces like a
concrete driveway. Keep them far away from dry grass, brush, lakeside docks,
and structures.
4. Disposal Protocol: Soak all spent fireworks in a bucket of water overnight before
throwing them in the trash. Never toss them straight into a garbage can or plastic
bin, as residual embers frequently spark structure fires hours later.
Our fire department is an all-hazard response agency, meaning we are fully equipped
and ready to respond to fires, technical rescues, and structural emergencies. However,
we would much rather see you enjoying the weekend than meet you on an emergency
call.
The absolute safest way to celebrate our nation’s freedom is by attending one of the
spectacular, permitted public aerial displays put on by licensed, certified pyrotechnicians
across the Lakes Area.
Let the professionals handle the explosives while you sit back, relax, and create safe,
lasting memories with the people who matter most.
Have a wonderful, safe, and Happy 4th of July!

By: Tim Holmes | Fire Chief