Can Fireworks Explode in a Hot Car? Can Fireworks Be Left in a Hot Car?
The short answer is, being left inside a hot car will not cause fireworks to explode. According to the Department of Geosciences at San Francisco State University, the temperatures can reach in excess of 140F inside a car when the outside temperature is around 95F. See chart below for times and temperatures. All consumer fireworks used in the United States undergo and pass a thermal stability test (literally in an oven), as required by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Fireworks should only ignite if a flame is present. The temperatures required to ignite a fuse are hundreds of degrees higher than the inside of a hot car on a hot day.
Why are Fireworks used in America on the 4th of July?
"It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more." Those are the words of John Adams, in a letter he wrote to his wife on July 3rd, 1776, referring to independence day. America has celebrated with fireworks ever since. You can read more about 4th of July and America's Independence day.
Will Fireworks Damage Car Paint?
Yes it is certainly possible. The possibility can be broken down into two distinct cases, the first would correspond to burning material hitting the car, which could severely damage the paint depending on the amount of time it was burning while in contact with the vehicle. The second case would be "fallout" from the fireworks, such as cardboard shell casings, inserts, etc, that land on the car and either cause physical damage from the impact or the combusted chemicals eating away at the paint if left unwashed for an extended period of time.
Will Fireworks Work in the Rain?
In most cases, yes. Here is one better for you, fireworks can actually burn underwater! Fireworks contain their own fuel and oxygen source, which means they can burn independent of the oxygen in the air. Here is a great slow motion video of a model rocket engine burning under water: https://youtu.be/czwBWB5u6Hg and here is a video showing fireworks rockets under ice in a pond: https://youtu.be/YyFip6NRz1E. The only instance when it wouldn't work is when the firework composition becomes completely saturated with water, so in other words, if it was left to soak for a long period of time and the composition started to get wet.
When and Where were Fireworks Invented?
Here is a great article on the American Pyrotechnics Association's website on the history of fireworks.
How are the Different Colors of Fire Made?
The different colors of fire are made by taking advantage of different compounds releasing energy in differing wavelengths of light. Check out more details on our magic of colored fire page.
Are Fireworks Legal in NY?
No fireworks are not legal in the City of New York. There are some counties throughout New York State that allow small ground devices and sparklers, but the state made everything that can explode, fly into the air, or shoot a projectile (like roman candles) illegal.
Have More Questions? Check out our additional frequently asked fireworks questions page.
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