2020 was a particularly dangerous and costly year for fireworks incidents in Minnesota.
According to data from the Minnesota State Fire Marshal, 110 fireworks incidents were reported last year compared to 57 in 2019. 85 of the 110 fireworks incidents happened in June and July.
"Until I see data that shows that fireworks sold in neighboring states are completely safe, we will stand and say we are not going to allow these in our state," said Minnesota State Fire Marshal Jim Smith.
Under Minnesota law, fireworks that fly or explode are illegal.
"It is not only illegal to light off those fireworks in Minnesota, it is illegal to possess those fireworks in Minnesota," Smith said. "If you put them in the trunk of your car and come back to Minnesota, you're breaking the law."
Recent weather conditions have increased risks associated with fires caused by rogue fireworks. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, much of the state is in a moderate to high fire danger.
"If you add a little bit of breeze to these hot, sunny days then it takes the moisture of the grasses and other vegetation," Smith added. "We could find ourselves back into a moderate to high risk of fire danger. Just because we've had some rain, it would not take long for us to back in to a higher risk. That's always a concern."
Smith said of the primary danger comes from the heat produced by the burning chemicals which are mixed into fireworks.
"The temperatures these explode with, even sparklers, 1200 degrees. That is a high temperature," he said. "I've always noted that bottle rockets you can purchase in neighboring states are mass produced. You can light it off and think it's going one way and it goes another. It could very well bend back and go into the woods. It's very concerning."
When it comes to enjoying the holiday, Smith says it will take some common sense.
"Use Minnesota legal fireworks on your driveway whether it's asphalt or concrete where you can be certain that embers will land on a non-combustible surface," he said. "Always have a bucket of water to drop sparklers in and to put out your lawn if it were to start smoldering."