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Gilbert: On 11 July 2026, around 2200, the Gilbert Police Department responded to a private residence near Ocotillo Road and Freedom Farms Road in Gilbert, AZ, after three unidentified suspects threw fireworks into a social gathering injuring five juveniles in attendance. No suspects have been identified, and the investigation is ongoing.
Cincinnati: On 8 July 2026, at night, the Cincinnati Police Department and Cincinnati Fire investigators responded to a fireworks explosion at the doors of private residences located on Holland Drive in Winton Hills in Cincinnati, OH. A group of juveniles exploded fireworks, damaging the doors. Police suspected mortars were used, and another victim witnessed bottle rockets set off at their front door. The investigation remains ongoing.
Gastonia: On 5 July 2026, around 1500 local time, the Gastonia Police and Fire Departments with other unspecified emergency services responded to a fireworks explosion at a retail business located on South York Road in Gastonia, NC. A male suspect threw a firework at the store, and the resulting explosion ignited a fire. The incident is under investigation by the Gastonia Police Department, the Gastonia Fire Marshal, and the Gaston County District Attorney.
New Bedford: On 5 July 2026, around 2030 local time, the New Bedford Police Department responded to festivities at Montes Park located on Acushnet Avenue in New Bedford, MA. A group threw two fireworks toward police with one exploding nearby and the second almost hitting three officers before it exploded. Police identified a 19-year-old male suspect who was involved and arrested him on charges of assault and battery on a police officer, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest.
North Charleston: On 5 July 2026, around 2030 local time, the North Charleston Police Department responded to gun shots and fireworks thrown at passing vehicles during a permitted block party at the Chicora-Cherokee residential neighborhood in North Charleston, SC. Police shut down the event, which led to more gun shots and violence where two female police officers suffered minor injuries. Police made four arrests. They recovered multiple firearms along with a makeshift spear. The investigation remains ongoing.
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.