A Roman candle is a consumer firework constructed as a long, cylindrical tube that expels multiple pyrotechnic balls, or “stars,” in sequential bursts. The stars are propelled by internal black powder charges and are designed to ignite and display color effects high in the sky. Directing these devices at other people, often called a “Roman candle fight,” fundamentally disregards the product’s safety design. This activity transforms a decorative aerial display into a projectile weapon, creating an immediate and severe hazard to human life and property.
Physical Mechanisms of Injury
The primary danger from a directed Roman candle comes from the intense heat and the kinetic energy of the expelled projectile. The stars ejected from the tube are composed of chemical mixtures that burn at extremely high temperatures, often exceeding \(2500^\circ\text{C}\) (4500\(^\circ\text{F}\)). Contact with this burning material can instantly cause third-degree thermal burns to the skin, which may require extensive medical intervention, including skin grafting.
The trajectory of the pyrotechnic star is notoriously unstable, and its velocity is sufficient to cause significant blunt force or blast trauma. The impact of the dense, burning pellet can result in severe bruising, lacerations, and fractures, particularly when striking vulnerable areas like the face. Even if the star does not directly strike the skin, the close-range blast pressure from the lift charge can rupture eardrums and cause temporary or permanent hearing loss.
Ocular trauma represents one of the most devastating and common injuries associated with Roman candle misuse. The eye is uniquely susceptible to projectile impact, intense heat, and corrosive chemical residue. A direct hit from a star can cause globe rupture, severe corneal and retinal burns, and chemical damage to sensitive tissues. These injuries frequently lead to permanent vision loss or complete blindness.
Fire and Property Damage Hazards
The pyrotechnic stars are engineered to burn with an intense flame, making them highly effective ignition sources upon contact with combustible materials. When a Roman candle is aimed horizontally, the expelled charge can easily travel into unintended areas, leading to catastrophic structural fires. Common outdoor materials like dry grass, wooden decks, and roofing shingles are instantly susceptible to ignition from the burning projectile.
A single errant star carries enough thermal energy to bypass exterior defenses and ignite interior structures, such as when a flaming ball enters an attic space or lands under a wooden porch. The resulting structure fires can cause complete loss of the property, with damage estimates reaching tens of thousands of dollars for a single incident. Beyond private residences, the risk extends to vehicles, dry wildlands, and neighboring buildings, creating a significant public safety hazard.
The individual responsible for igniting the firework can be held financially accountable for all damages caused by the resulting fire. This liability can be compounded if the firework use violated local ordinances, potentially leading to the homeowner’s insurance policy excluding coverage. The cost of replacing a structure and its contents, along with associated civil lawsuits, can place a significant financial burden on the negligent party.
Legal Ramifications of Misuse
Intentionally aiming a Roman candle at another person is generally considered a criminal act, regardless of local firework legality. This behavior can result in charges of assault or battery, as the firework is used as a weapon to inflict unwanted and harmful contact. Even if no direct injury occurs, the act of reckless endangerment or criminal mischief may be prosecuted.
Penalties for illegal firework use or misuse often begin with a citation, which can be classified as a misdemeanor offense. Fines for using illegal fireworks can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars per device in some jurisdictions. If the misuse causes significant injury or property destruction, the charges may be elevated to a felony, leading to potential jail time and a permanent criminal record.
Beyond criminal charges, the individual who misuses the firework faces substantial civil liability. Victims of injury can file personal injury lawsuits seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If the firework use violated a local law, that violation can be used as strong evidence of negligence in a civil court.