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Ground Fireworks Guide What Are They And How to Use Them

Ground Fireworks are the best choice when aerial fireworks just don’t safely fit. Perfect for backyards, driveways, and neighborhood celebrations, these fireworks stay on the ground while creating brilliant displays of sparks, color, smoke, along with crackle and bang sound effects. From spinning wheels and vibrant fountains to ground blooms and smoke effects, each type delivers its own unique show.

Ground fireworks are designed to remain on the ground while producing colorful sparks, flames, or spinning effects. Always place ground fireworks on a flat, stable surface away from spectators and buildings. Light the fuse with a long lighter or torch, then move back quickly to a safe distance. Never hold ground fireworks in your hand unless the label specifically instructs you to do so. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and keep water nearby in case of a misfire.

Scroll below to learn more about each type of ground firework and get helpful tips on how to use them safely and get the best performance from every item.

Firecrackers
What They Are:

A small device that is primarily designed to produce a large amount of noise in the form of a loud bang. They can be individual firecrackers or woven together in strips from 16 to 16,000 firecrackers per strip.

How To Use Them:
  • Read all manufacture's instructions before use.
  • Firecracker strips may be laid on the ground, but the perform best if hung by the loop. The loop is generally located on the top near the center of the strip.
  • Use a long BBQ style lighter or propane torch to ignite the green fuse, and step away from the devise to a safe distance before turning to watch
Fountains
What They Are:

This ground device contains a tube or tubes of fireworks composition that ignites when it leaves the tube. This creates a shower of sparks with color or sound effects.

How To Use Them:
  • Place the mortar tube, included with your kit, on a hard, flat surface. Additional Stabilization is recommended, especially if loading more than one tube at a time.
  • Remove a shell from the package and load it into the tube, taking care to load it right side up. For ball shells, the ball is the top. Most canisters are labeled. If you are unsure, which is the top, don't use it.
  • Be sure the tip fuse hangs outside the mortar.
  • Never lean over or look into the loaded tube.
  • Light the fuse and step away to a safe distance before turning to watch.
Novelties
What They Are:

A device with one or more tubes that product sparks, crackle, whistle and color. They can be very small, only a few inches or as large as a 500 Gram Cake. They shoot showers of sparks between 1 and 20 feet, depending on the size of the fountain, and they can last a few seconds up to 5 minutes.

How To Use Them:

Ensure you have a hard surface to use, such as concrete, asphalt, or a piece of plywood.

  • Remove any necessary packaging or labels.
  • Place the device right side up on a smooth, hard surface.
  • Light the fuse and step away to a safe distance.
Smoke Devices
What They Are:

A ball or tube shape made of paper and or clay with a fuse for lighting. Also, commonly, a plastic grenade shape usually will a pull string and ring for igniting. These devices emit black, white or colored smoke when lit.

How To Use Them:

Determine if your smoke device has a fuse or a pull ring for ignition.

For fuse lit devices, you will place on the ground and light with a punk, BBQ style lighter or propane torch.

Devices with a pull ring do not need a separate ignition source. Pull the ring to light. Take care to make sure your fingers or thumbs are not below the pull ring, as sparks will come out when the ring is pulled.

Sparklers
What They Are:

Sparklers are handheld fireworks that burn slowly and throw off bright, shimmering sparks, creating a small, magical-looking fountain of light.
They’re usually used at celebrations like birthdays, weddings, and holidays. When you light one, it crackles softly and glows intensely, letting you draw shapes or write in the air with trails of light.

How To Use Them:
  • Hold the uncoated metal end or bamboo handle.
  • Use a long BBQ lighter or propane torch.
  • Hold the flame perpendicular to the coated tip for 3–5 seconds until it ignites.
  • Only light one sparkler at a time for better control and safety.
  • Hold at arm’s length. Keep it away from face, hair, clothing, others, and anything flammable.
  • When finished, the stick will be very hot. Place it in water, sand, or on a non-flammable surface until completely cool before disposal.
Spinners
What They Are:

A small device that when placed on a hard surface and lit will spin on the ground and emit sparks, sound or smoke.

How To Use Them:
  • Read all manufactures instructions.
  • Determine which side is up so that the device spins properly.
  • Remove any plastic wrap or fuse cover.
  • Place on a hard surface such as concrete or asphalt or a piece of plywood and light.
Wheels
What They Are:

A preloaded device that requires mounting in order to spin when lit. Wheels can have multiple effects including be color, crackle, and whistles.

How To Use Them:
  • Read all manufacture's instructions and warnings.
  • Know how many shots or balls the candle will project. Smaller candles can be 1 to 10. Large candles can have >100.
  • Never hold in hand.
  • Place securely in a bucket of sand or brace with a stake or post.
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