A Florida police bomb squad used explosives on various household items to educate the public about fireworks dangers ahead of July Fourth.

The Fort Lauderdale Police Bomb Squad showcased the potential hazards fireworks can pose to the human body. They used explosives similar to an M-80 on objects like a paint can, cantaloupe, and watermelon for demonstration purposes.

Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue and Broward Health released a video to educate the community on safety and highlight common fireworks-related injuries.

“The Fourth of July is one of the busiest times of year for our emergency departments,” noted Dr. Robert Chisholm, an emergency physician at Broward Health. “We generally see a surge in visits due to fireworks and sparkler injuries, dehydration and heat-related illnesses, food poisoning, severe sunburns, and alcohol-related accidents.”

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) urged caution last week, reporting 11 fireworks-related deaths and an estimated 14,700 injuries last year. Most deaths involved misuse or device malfunctions.

Fireworks shredded a paint can during the demonstration. (Broward Health)

According to the CPSC, deaths increased 38% in 2024 compared to the previous year, while injuries spiked 52% during the same period.

Sparklers accounted for about 1,700 emergency room visits in 2024, the CPSC noted.