Yo Yo Sparkler Recall Issued After Reports of Burn Injuries

More than 651,000 sparkler fireworks have been recalled after the manufacturer received reports of problems where users suffered second and third degree burns from the sparklers burning hotter and faster down the stick toward user’s hands. 

A Jakes Fireworks Yo Yo Sparklers recall was announced by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on July 9, after reports indicated the sparklers burned faster and with a much larger flame than normal down the stick handle, posing a burn hazard to users.

To date, Jake’s Fireworks has received at least 12 consumer complaints indicating customers suffered second and third degree burns from the sparklers.

Sparklers are a type of hand-held firework that burns slowly while producing colored flames, sparks, and other effects and are popular for children and adults during celebrations and especially on Independence Day. Sparkler fireworks usually consist of a stiff metal wire dipped in a mixture of substances designed to produce an effect by heat, light, sound, gas or smoke or a combination of these.

While sparklers seem harmless, they account for 19% of firework related injuries every year, with most occurring sometime around the Fourth of July, according to the CPSC. Injuries from the hand-held fireworks usually occur to user’s hands, wrists, head and face because of contact with the sparks. If not handled properly, the sparks can cause serious degrees of burns that require emergency room visits.

The recall includes Jake’s Fireworks Yo Yo Sparklers, which measure 13 ½ inches long and are metallic gray in color on a wire stick. The sparklers were sold in multicolored packages containing four per pack and have the U.S. flag and “World Classic Fireworks” printed at the top. The brand name YOYO Sparklers and two pictures of burning sparklers appear on the bottom of the packaging.

The recalled sparklers were manufactured in China under Jake’s Fireworks Inc., of Pittsburgh, Kansas where they were sold at small fireworks stands and pop-up stores nationwide from April 2015 to July 2015 for about $3 per package.

Customers are being asked to stop using the recalled sparklers immediately, put them out of reach from young children and call Jake’s Fireworks at 800-766-1277 or emailing the company at info@jakesfireworks.com to receive a full refund. Customers with further questions may also visit the manufacturer online at www.jakesfireworks.com and navigate to the YOYO Sparkler Alert Recall for more information.