Search

Rail Fire Burns 1,218 Fireworks Packages

Posted on 6/27/2025 by Lion Technology Inc.

With the Fourth of July coming up quick, we find ourselves once again thinking about fireworks both as a fun way to celebrate Independence Day and as a hazardous material in transportation.

Already in 2025 there have been multiple hazmat incidents involving fireworks in transportation, including one where a fire started with a rail car’s wheel and transferred to the container. The container contained 1,218 packages of fireworks and every package in the container failed.

Fortunately, nobody was hurt, no evacuations were mandated, and the reported response cost was only $2,000. Nonetheless, fireworks are hazardous materials and so the hazmat incident report was necessary.

Hazmat Incident Reporting Requirements

When a hazardous material is released during transportation, the incident must be reported to US DOT using Form F 5800.1. Depending on the severity of a release and the materials involved, an immediate phone report to the National Response Center (NRC) may be required. A hazmat release can trigger environmental reporting requirements, too.

The severity of the incident determines both who receives the initial report and how soon after the incident a report must be made.

Fireworks As Hazardous Materials

Most commercial fireworks are regulated as Division 1.4G explosive materials in transportation. Like nearly all hazardous materials, Division 1.4G explosives are subject to extensive US DOT requirements for packaging, markings and labels, and documentation. Employees who prepare and handle shipments must complete required hazmat training (see 49 CFR 172.704).

Based on hazmat incident reporting data available from DOT/PHMSA, transportation incidents involving fireworks are relatively rare. Common causes of incidents that include a release of a 1.4G material include:
  • Failure to block and brace cargo
  • Dropped packages and containers
  • Packages punctured with forklifts or sharp objects

Rail Fire Burns 1,218 Fireworks Packages

In-person DOT Hazmat Training Certification

Join Lion for engaging, lively in-person training and develop the expertise you need to classify and name hazardous materials, package hazmat, mark and label packages, fill out shipping papers, and comply with DOT security plan and security training requirements for hazmat employees.

Hazmat Ground Shipper Certification (DOT) Workshop

Tags: fireworks, hazmat incident

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The online course was well thought out and organized, with good interaction between the student and the course.

Larry Ybarra

Material Release Agent

We have a very busy work schedule and using Lion enables us to take the course at our own time. It makes it easy for me to schedule my employees' training.

Timothy Mertes

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Lion's information is very thorough and accurate. Presenter was very good.

Melissa Little

Regulatory Manager

Lion does a great job summarizing and communicating complicated EH&S-related regulations.

Michele Irmen

Sr. Environmental Engineer

I will never go anywhere, but to Lion Technology.

Dawn Swofford

EHS Technician

The instructor's energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the subject make the class a great learning experience!

Brian Martinez

Warehouse Operator

Convenient; I can train when I want, where I want.

Barry Cook

Hazmat Shipping Professional

More thorough than a class I attended last year through another company.

Troy Yonkers

HSES Representative

This was the 1st instructor that has made the topic actually enjoyable and easy to follow and understand. Far better than the "other" training providers our company has attended!

Lori Hardy

Process & Resource Administrator

Lion provided an excellent introduction to environmental regulations, making the transition to a new career as an EHS specialist less daunting of a task. Drinking from a fire hose when the flow of water is lessened, is much more enjoyable!

Stephanie Weathers

SHE Specialist

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Some limited quantity reliefs are reserved for specific modes of transport. Use this guide to identify which reliefs you can capitalize on, and which do not apply to your operations.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.