Kansas Fire Marshal reports 150+ injuries, thousands of illegal fireworks seized

TOPEKA, Kan. (KCTV) - The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office says the 2026 fireworks season brought an increase in enforcement - and a reminder of the dangers fireworks pose, especially to children.

By the Numbers

The 2026 fireworks season ran from June 20 through July 7, reflecting a legislative expansion of Kansas’ legal fireworks sales period passed in 2025.

State Fire Marshal Special Agents - certified law enforcement officers - say they were authorized overtime to conduct random inspections of retail fireworks stands and stores statewide.

Here’s what they found:

• Nearly 500 inspections completed statewide - a 37% increase over 2025
• 240 violations of the Kansas Fireworks Act recorded
• 2,850 illegal fireworks seized during enforcement operations
• 14 safety inspections conducted at public fireworks displays

By comparison, officials note that in 2025, agents inspected just over 360 fireworks retailers, found more than 300 violations and seized more than 800 illegal fireworks.

Most Common Violations

The Office indicates that the top safety violations found during 2026 inspections include:

• Missing, improper, inaccessible or empty fire extinguishers - 64
• “Fireworks - No Smoking” signs not present or clearly posted - 30
• Fewer than two required safety exits available for customers - 26
• General housekeeping issues, including excess boxes or combustible materials - 11

Officials add that the majority of violations were corrected on-site through education and cooperation with business owners.

However, leaders say several inspections uncovered significant hazards requiring immediate action.

Injuries: Children Among the Hardest Hit

Healthcare providers reported more than 150 fireworks-related injuries during the 2026 season. While many were treated without hospitalization, the toll was serious:

• At least 25 individuals were sent to a burn or trauma center, had surgery or received a higher level of care for more substantial injuries
• Nearly 30 children under the age of 8 sustained fireworks-related injuries

“Each year, fireworks cause serious injuries to more than two dozen Kansas children,” Cherie Sage, Safe Kids Kansas, says. “Even sparklers, which are often mistakenly believed to be safe for children, can cause severe burns and eye injuries from flying sparks. Safe Kids Kansas encourages families to closely supervise children around fireworks and to enjoy professional public fireworks displays whenever possible.”

Enforcement Philosophy

“Education remains our priority, but enforcement is necessary when serious hazards threaten public safety,” adds Mark Engholm, Kansas State Fire Marshal.

Where Illegal Fireworks Were Seized

Agents note that they seized around 2,850 illegal fireworks across the following Kansas counties:

• Shawnee
• Douglas
• Osage
• Anderson
• Smith
• Trego
• Nemaha
• Cherokee
• Crawford
• Neosho
• Labette
• Wyandotte

Safety Reminders

The Fire Marshal’s Office encourages Kansans to:

• Leave fireworks to the professionals - attend public displays when possible
• Never allow young children to handle fireworks, including sparklers
• Check local laws before purchasing fireworks
• Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby when using legal fireworks