Fireworks and heat are not a good combination, and everyone knows this. Putting fireworks in hot environments is like fueling an already blazing fire. But sometimes, we need to transport our fireworks in cars, and we are unsure if that is safe.
Generally, fireworks only explode when they are directly ignited. The chances of them exploding in a hot car are minimal, but there’s always a slight risk involved. Cars tend to heat up when driving, sometimes due to stored external heat. The temperature of a vehicle can go up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit even when the temperature outside is 95 degrees.
Although the chances of explosion are low, the possibility still exists.
If you want to learn in greater detail why it is dangerous to store fireworks in cars and how you can safely store them, this article is for you.
How Do Fireworks Explode?
Fireworks have an inbuilt fuse inside them. A lifting charge of gunpowder is present under the fuse. The fuses are called fast-acting fuses. When the fuse is ignited with a direct flame or spark, the firework goes off and explodes.
Can Fireworks Explode Without Direct Heat?
The only way for a firework to explode is when its fuse comes into direct contact with some form of ignition. In most circumstances, the firework will not likely detonate unless that happens. The gunpowder needs to be ignited, which cannot be caused by heat alone unless the heat is concentrated on the fuse using a magnifying glass.
In What Circumstances Do Fireworks Explode By Mistake?
That being said, there is a chance that your firework can go off without you intending for that. This is how firework accidents are caused. There are a few situations that can lead to this.
- If you leave your fireworks exposed to spark-igniting devices such as a lighter, flame, or stove. This can result in the firework exploding because the heat can build up even from a distance and ignite the fuel.
- Leaving the fireworks exposed to electrical switches and appliances can be dangerous. An electric spark essentially has the same igniting effect on the firework as a flame.
- Some fireworks implode when they are exposed to water or other lubricants. However, water only ignites certain fireworks that are hydrophobic. Most fireworks would simply stop working when they are wet.
Are Hot Environments Safe When Storing Fireworks?
Hot environments may also become highly humid. Extremely humid and hot climates can damage your fireworks and prevent them from working when needed. The fireworks may go bad if stored in a hot place such as a garage or car trunk. If the temperature exceeds 130F and is somehow concentrated on the firework’s fuse, there is always a chance of explosion.
To avoid this, it is best to store fireworks in cool and dry environments instead.
What Is The Safest Way To Store Fireworks?
A couple of steps need to be taken to store fireworks in the safest manner possible.
- Ensure that the temperature of storage does not exceed 125F.
- It is best to wrap the fireworks in a plastic sheet or container to prevent exposure to humid air. This would allow you to store them for several years.
- Ensure that fireworks are stored away from electrical appliances or flammable objects. Also, keep them away from humid spaces.
- If you have children in the house, keeping the fireworks away from their reach is best. You can also keep them locked in a metal container with a ‘fireworks’ label. This would also prevent you from forgetting.
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Is It Safe To Carry Fireworks In A Car?
Fireworks are only dangerous in cars if the car’s temperature exceeds a specific limit and if the car’s glass windows cause the heat to be concentrated in one spot. Other than this, the risk of explosion is very low. Typically, it is safe to travel with fireworks as long as the necessary precautions are taken.
However, the safety of carrying fireworks in a car also depends on how far you travel and how hot the car can get.
Do Fireworks Go Bad?
Fireworks don’t have expiry dates; if they are correctly stored, they will not likely go bad. It is best to use fireworks as soon as possible because even though they don’t go bad, there is still a chance that other external factors can cause them to lose their potency.
Are Fireworks Banned In Some States?
Certain fireworks have restrictions on them in some states of the United States. This restriction is mostly extended to dangerous fireworks like Roman candles. They are banned in New York, Maryland, and California, among several other states.
The legislation regarding fireworks is under control of the federal government and as of now the only state where fireworks are completely prohibited is Massachusetts.
However, even in Massachusetts, you are allowed to have professional fireworks on occasions such as the 4th of July.
What Happens If You Use Fireworks In States Where They Are Banned?
Depending on the laws of the state and the degree of violation, people who are in possession of illegal fireworks may have to face punishment. In some cases, they might have to go to prison for up to a year and pay a fine of around 500 dollars.
Do You Need A License To Store Fireworks?
If you are storing some fireworks with you for recreational purposes then you don’t need a license. A license is required if you have fireworks more than 2000 kilograms in store because then these fireworks are for commercial purposes.
The Bottom Line
Fireworks can be dangerous because they are explosive. But they are also designed for recreational use and are not likely to just explode without any external trigger.
Unless the fireworks are handled carelessly and exposed to something that ignites their spark, they are not likely to go off on their own.This does not mean that the risk isn’t always there so be sure to handle your fireworks with care.
