The Oceanside Fire Department says a 15-year-old boy lost his right hand and sustained critical burns after a firecracker detonated in his hand at about 9 a.m. on Feb. 5. He was airlifted to the UC San Diego Burn Center and remains under treatment. San Diego County bans private use of recreational incendiary devices; OFD warned residents about the dangers fireworks pose—particularly to minors. The article also recalls a 2025 Buena Park incident in which an 8-year-old girl died following a fireworks-related explosion.
15-Year-Old Suffers Traumatic Amputation, Severe Burns After Firecracker Explodes in His Hand
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A 15-year-old boy in Oceanside, California, lost his right hand and suffered critical burns after a firecracker detonated in his hand on the morning of Thursday, Feb. 5, authorities said.
The explosion occurred at about 9 a.m. at a residence on North Horne Street, west of Interstate 5 and north of Mission Avenue, according to NBC San Diego, which cited the Oceanside Fire Department (OFD). Police and fire crews who responded found the teenager with acute burn injuries to his chest and face.
Officials described the injury as a “traumatic amputation” of the boy’s right hand. Paramedics evaluated him on scene and he was airlifted to the UC San Diego Burn Center, where he remains under treatment. Because he is a minor, his name has not been released.
OFD Warning: The Oceanside Fire Department reminded the public that fireworks pose serious risks—especially to minors—and urged residents to follow safety guidelines and local regulations.
San Diego County prohibits private use of recreational incendiary devices, NBC San Diego noted. Authorities emphasized that illegal or improperly handled fireworks can cause catastrophic injuries.
Related Incident
The report referenced a separate tragedy in 2025 in Buena Park, California, where an 8-year-old girl died after an explosion officials linked to illegal fireworks. Buena Park police said officers discovered the child with critical injuries consistent with a fireworks-related explosion; she later died at a hospital.
People reached out to the Oceanside Fire Department for additional comment.
Safety Reminder: Officials continue to urge residents to obey local laws and avoid using illegal or unregulated fireworks. If you witness a fireworks-related emergency, call 911 immediately and avoid approaching injured victims unless it is safe to do so.
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