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Rolla: On 4 July 2026, around 2230 local time, the Doolittle Rural Fire Protection and the Rolla Rural Fire Protection Districts responded to a house fire at a vacant residence on County Road 8200 in Rolla, MO, which was ignited by fireworks. After the fire was suppressed, fire crews found fireworks inside, and determined the fireworks caused the fire. The investigation remains ongoing.
Blue Ash: On 4 July 2026, the Blue Ash Police Department responded to illegal fireworks used at the Red, White & Blue Ash event on Glendale Milford Road in Blue Ash, OH. A group of about 400 unaccompanied juveniles set off fireworks numerous times, mostly around their own group, causing panic among attendees. An officer was injured by a firework, resulting in one juvenile being arrested and charged with assault on a police officer.
Fillmore: On 4 July 2026, around 2342 local time, the Ventura County Sherriff’s Office and the Fillmore Fire Department responded to a fire caused by fireworks at the Sierra High School located on Shiells Drive in Fillmore, CA. The fire engulfed construction materials for the new Fillmore High School gymnasium and caused substantial damage. On 22 July, police identified and arrested a male juvenile suspect who was captured on surveillance cameras setting off a firework which caused the fire. He was charged with possession of a dangerous firework.
Monticello: On 4 July 2026, after midnight, the White County Sheriff's Office responded to a firework explosion at a private residence located on East 350 North in Monticello, IN. A 31-year-old male victim was firing mortar rounds when he tried to fix a malfunctioning mortar round. The mortar exploded causing fatal injuries. When police arrived, the victim was already deceased.
Saint Augustine: On 4 July 2026, at night, the Saint Johns County Sheriff's Office (SJCSO) responded to fireworks thrown from a moving vehicle on I-95 Highway in Saint Augustine, FL. A SJCSO air unit caught on camera the fireworks being thrown from the passenger side of the car, which were landing in traffic lanes and the median. After being pulled over, the driver denied any involvement. The passenger was arrested and charged with shooting a deadly missile from a moving vehicle. The investigation remains ongoing.
Columbus: On 4 July 2026, at night, the Columbus Police Department and the Columbus Division of Fire responded to an incident of fireworks thrown into a crowd by teens and adults along North High Street in Columbus, OH. The Columbus Police are investigating the incident and coordinating with the Columbus Division of Fire on possible charges to be filed.
Sabula: On 4 July 2026, the Jackson County Sherriff’s Office responded to a firework thrown into a private residence located on River Street in Sabula, IA. A 31-year-old male suspect threw a mortar firework into a neighbor’s garage following a dispute. A group of people were in the garage when the firework exploded, which caused blast damage and filled the garage with smoke. Police arrested the suspect, who admitted he did it, claiming it was in response to the neighbor’s harassment.
Wilmington: On 3 July 2026, around 2234 local time, the Wilmington Police Department responded to an assault using fireworks near 9th and North Pine Streets in Wilmington, DE. Multiple juveniles assaulted two individuals with fireworks, including a Roman candle. A male victim was reported in a critical condition and was hospitalized; a female victim was treated and released. Investigators identified one of the participants, a 13-year-old male juvenile, who was arrested and charged with attempted murder, possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, and conspiracy.
Bartlett: On 2 July 2026, the Bartlett Police Department, the Bartlett Fire Department, and EMS responded to a fireworks incident during the Bartlett, TN, fireworks show on Appling Road. A group of juveniles set off fireworks near the crowd during the city’s firework show resulting in a temporary disruption but no injuries. Police arrested five juveniles for crimes including disorderly conduct and drug possession. The event concluded safely. The investigation remains ongoing.
