Fireworks Burn Hotter Than You Think — Here's Why It Matters

Fireworks are a dazzling part of many celebrations—but behind the colorful sparks and loud booms are extremely high temperatures that most people seriously underestimate. At A Rocket Fireworks, we believe in keeping the fun safe. So let’s break down just how hot fireworks really get—and why it matters for your safety.

How Hot Do Fireworks Burn?

The short answer? Really, really hot.

Some fireworks can reach temperatures of up to:

• 1,200°F to 2,000°F for the core of most aerial shells

• Up to 3,000°F for certain sparkler tips

• 5,400°F at the center of a magnesium-based flash

To put that in perspective:

• Glass melts at about 1,400°F

• Wood burns at around 575°F

• Most kitchen ovens top out at 500°F

Yes—your average sparkler can burn hotter than a welding torch.

Why So Hot?

The intense heat comes from the chemical reactions inside fireworks. Here's how it works:

• Oxidizers (like potassium nitrate or chlorate) provide oxygen to fuel the explosion.

• Metals (like aluminum, magnesium, or titanium) add color and sparkle—but also raise temperatures dramatically.

• Once ignited, the reactions happen fast and hot, releasing energy in the form of light, sound, and heat.

This is what gives fireworks their brilliance—but it’s also what makes them dangerous if mishandled.

 Don’t Let the Sparkle Fool You

Because they look playful, people often assume fireworks are harmless—especially items like sparklers. But sparklers alone account for roughly 25% of all firework-related injuries, especially among children. That’s because they burn at nearly 2,000°F, hot enough to melt gold and severely burn skin within seconds.

Firework Safety Tips

At A Rocket Fireworks, we want you to celebrate smart. Here’s how:

• Never let children use fireworks unsupervised. Even sparklers should be handled with adult guidance.

• Wear protective eyewear when lighting any type of firework.

• Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby. Drop spent fireworks in water before throwing them away.

• Light one at a time, and back up immediately.

• Don’t attempt to relight “duds.” Wait 20 minutes and soak them in water.

• Never hold lit fireworks in your hands. They may burst unpredictably.

The Bottom Line: Respect the Heat

Fireworks are powerful, exciting, and beautiful—but they also burn with intense, skin-searing heat. That’s why safety always has to come first. The more you know about how hot they really get, the better prepared you are to enjoy the show without getting burned.