Indiana ranks among the most dangerous states for backyard fireworks use heading into the Fourth of July holiday weekend, according to a new national analysis.

The study, conducted by the Action Network, places Indiana at No. 2 for the highest risk of at-home fireworks accidents, according to a community announcement. Researchers combined trade shipment data, online search trends and state regulations to estimate where incidents are most likely to occur.

Indiana participants face a 2.93% chance of a mishap, injury or property damage during the holiday period — roughly 1 in 34 odds — based on the study’s findings.

Ohio tops the list with a 3.54% risk rate, or about 1 in 28 odds, making it the most hazardous state for backyard fireworks use.

Heavy use and cross-border access drive risk

The announcement highlights Indiana’s strong demand for fireworks, with imports reaching $3.89 per person. That level of consumption contributes to the state’s elevated risk profile.

Indiana also serves as a regional destination for fireworks purchases because of differing laws across state lines. Neighboring Illinois prohibits certain aerial fireworks, and the study indicates that residents often travel to Indiana to buy those items.

That combination of high usage and out-of-state demand contributes to what the announcement describes as a “pyrotechnic juggernaut” within Indiana.

Study blends multiple data sources

The Action Network said it developed its rankings by analyzing three primary factors: shipment volumes, consumer behavior and legal restrictions.

By combining those inputs, researchers estimated the probability of accidents tied to backyard celebrations during the holiday period.

The findings rank all 50 states based on implied risk levels, offering a snapshot of where fireworks-related incidents may be more likely to occur.

This story was created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — It’s a scorcher with temperatures climbing over 90 degrees. One local hardware store says its items are flying off the shelves as customers try to keep themselves cool.

At Fusek’s Hardware in downtown Indy, the excessive heat has brought additional customers.

Steve Fusek has owned the store for more than 20 years. “We kinda knew it was all coming, and as soon as the hot humid weather hits, it has been this constant procession of people keeping themselves cool.”

Lemmecca Polk has come in to get a filter for her AC. “Because it’s hot and they say it’s going to get even hotter.”

Fusek says they are sold out of many items. “The kid pools are gone already, and the heat is just starting.”

Another hot buy are hoses and sprinklers, and of course, everyone is a fan of fans. “We got a few fans in the apartment, and we’re making sure they’re still plugged in,” said Sydney Maciejewski. “I would like to get those personal fans that I could wear when walking around to stay cool.”

And while the Fusek’s hardware store is great for those items that keep you cool, some customers want to add something a little sweet to the mix. “Popsicles for the kids and also making homemade lemonade,” said Polk.

The local hardware store won’t be in this location for long. Beginning July, they’ll be moving to 609 North Delaware Street, just a few blocks away from the store’s current location.

A statewide competition at Indiana county fairs is returning with a focus on fighting hunger as youth participants collect food for local food banks.

The Fight the Hunger, Stock the Trailer contest will again bring together junior fair boards across the state, including those in Carroll and Clinton counties, according to a community announcement. The initiative, organized by Farm Credit Mid-America and sponsored by Rural 1st, encourages young leaders to coordinate donation drives throughout their county fairs.

Participants gather nonperishable food and work with local communities to support nearby food banks. The effort emphasizes youth leadership while creating a direct impact for families facing food insecurity, according to the announcement.

“We’re glad to bring this initiative back to county fairs across Indiana and to see young people step up and get their communities involved,” Craig Carter, regional vice president of agricultural lending at Farm Credit Mid-America, said in the announcement. “The Carroll and Clinton County Fairs bring people together, and this contest gives folks a simple way to come alongside a cause that supports neighbors right here at home. In the end, our communities are the ones who benefit most.”

Record collections highlight growing participation

Youth-led donation drives have expanded steadily since the program began in 2022, with recent totals showing a sharp increase in contributions.

In 2025, participants collected 233,500 pounds of food for more than 70 food banks across Indiana. That total more than doubled the previous year’s 108,000 pounds and marked the fourth consecutive year of record-setting donations, according to the announcement.

Lake County recorded the largest contribution during that period, bringing in 75,122 pounds of food.

Since the competition began, more than 1 million pounds of food have been collected and distributed across Indiana and Ohio.

Financial support and community investment

In addition to food donations, Farm Credit Mid-America provided financial contributions to support participating youth organizations.

Each fair board received $500 for taking part, with additional funding awarded to regional winners. In total, $56,000 was distributed to junior fair boards across Indiana.

The contest is part of broader community investment efforts by Farm Credit Mid-America and its consumer lending brand, Rural 1st, which contributed more than $4 million to programs in 2025. That total included $1.59 million dedicated to youth, college students, and young and beginning farmers.

More information about the initiative is available on Farm Credit Mid-America’s Community Investment webpage.