Fireworks are a celebration staple for Independence Day, but there might be less fireworks available this year.
Manufactures are not only having problems getting the fireworks materials manufactured, but actually shipping them to the United States," Hazardous Materials Supervisor for the Georgia Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire Office Jason Pritchett said. "So a lot of companies are having a shortage issue with product supply."
"It's going to be harder for some of the dealers to find some fireworks, but a lot of our licensed dealers in the state have huge storage facilities where they do have quite a bit stacked up," Pritchett said. "So we shouldn't see a problem with the public getting their hands on consumer fireworks for the Fourth celebrations."
Local fireworks dealer Xtreme Xplosives Fireworks has several locations in North Georgia, including Gainesville, and owner Jason Sillay echoed some of the supply and demand struggles.
"There was a cost increase in the industry across the board just after the election, about two weeks later China slapped a $6,000 surcharge on every container live in the ports. So cost of goods did increase due to that," said Sillay.
"Some of the other larger box, chain stores, not ourselves, are experiencing a shortage because they need to provide for 3,000 stores nationwide and they're just not able to get that product. So in addition to having to raise their prices because they don't have the volume to sell, in our case, we only have to provide five or six stores, so we have plenty of product, we didn't experience those cost increases due to supply."
Sillay said they experienced a different boom last year with folks creating fireworks shows at home due to the pandemic, but this year sales haven't slowed. He said they were still seeing an increase in at-home fireworks for family parties.
Pritchett encouraged anyone who is using fireworks at home to use caution, starting from when a purchase is made.
"Three different things you want to look at with consumer fireworks: you want to look at the packaging. The packaging should always be intact and clear instructions should be listed directly on the packaging. You want to look at the placement - if someone is in a parking lot and attempting to sell from the back of a vehicle, it's better just to avoid those," said Pritchett. "And, look at the pricing. If the pricing seems too good, then it's probably not a quality product.
And of course, Pritchett said to be safe when using the fireworks. His biggest tip was to always douse used fireworks or let them sit overnight before placing them in a trashcan and don't leave them close to the house. More tips from the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner's Office can be found here.
