20
Centuries since, according to legend, a Chinese cook mixed charcoal, sulfur, and saltpeter in a hollow bamboo stick and accidentally invented FIREWORKS

7126
ARIEL SHELLS detonated during Fort Vancouver’s mammoth fireworks display last year

2900
Approximate number of PYROTECHNIC EFFECTS sold by Canby’s Western Display Fireworks, one of the Northwest’s leading suppliers

2000
Temperature, in degrees Fahrenheit, of a LIT SPARKLER—i.e., hot enough to melt some metals

75
Grams of explosive black powder in a typical home-built pyrotechnic shell made BY A MEMBER OF THE OREGON FIREWORKS ASSOCIATION, a club for DIY fireworks enthusiasts

96
Fireworks stands operating on Washington’s CHEHALIS INDIAN RESERVATION in 2010

100%
MAKEUP OF GARMENTS—including underwear—worn by workers in fireworks factories, to prevent static electricity