safety
Miami Gardens fireworks victim, family warn of dangers of 4th of July sparklers after severe accident
By Peter D'Oench at CBS4 Miami
· July 2, 2026
· 2 min read
Two years after a severe fireworks accident changed his life, a Miami Gardens man is sharing his story to warn others of the dangers of holiday pyrotechnics ahead of the Fourth of July.Lamont Braithwaite, 19, was 17 when he was injured while celebrating with relatives on July 4, 2024. Recounting the
Key takeaway Lamont Braithwaite, 19, was 17 when he was injured while celebrating with relatives on July 4, 2024.
Why this matters in The Miami
The Braithwaite family's warning about fireworks safety resonates deeply in Miami, where summer celebrations often feature pyrotechnics. As the city prepares for the Fourth of July, residents in neighborhoods like Little Havana and Miami Beach should heed the warning, particularly when it comes to sparklers and other seemingly harmless fireworks. The fact that state health officials report most fireworks-related injuries involve teenagers using store-bought pyrotechnics is especially concerning in a city with a large youth population. Miami-Dade County Public Schools and local community centers may consider reinforcing fireworks safety education to prevent accidents like the one that changed Lamont Braithwaite's life. Furthermore, the Miami Police Department and Miami-Dade Police should be prepared to respond to potential fireworks-related emergencies, especially in densely populated areas prone to flooding and other hazards. By prioritizing safety, Miami can ensure a fun and injury-free celebration for all residents.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS4 Miami . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS4 Miami . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: CBS4 Miami ·
Reading time: 2 min
Get more The Miami stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering safety and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Two years after a severe fireworks accident changed his life, a Miami Gardens man is sharing his story to warn others of the dangers of holiday pyrotechnics ahead of the Fourth of July.Lamont Braithwaite, 19, was 17 when he was injured while celebrating with relatives on July 4, 2024. Recounting the
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by CBS4 Miami and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Peter D'Oench at CBS4 Miami. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More safety →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter