Columbia Police to have extra officers on duty over 4th of July holiday

With Fourth of July less than a week away, it’s a good time to talk about fireworks safety.

According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were eight deaths and an estimated 11,400 injuries related to fireworks in 2013. This is an increase from 8,700 in 2012.

Starting June 30 through July 5 , Columbia Police will have extra officers on duty for fireworks enforcement. If you have a fireworks complaint, you are asked to call the Boone County Joint Communications non-emergency line at 573-442-6131 . Do not call 911 unless it is an actual emergency.

As a reminder, setting off–or even just possessing–fireworks is illegal within both the Jefferson City and Columbia city limits.

If you simply can’t live without fireworks, both places will be having free fireworks shows on the Fourth of July.

In Columbia, the event, which includes free activities and entertainment, begins at Flat Branch Park at 6:30 p.m., with the fireworks show kicking off around 9:15 p.m.

In Jefferson City, the Salute to America festival is happening all weekend, ending with a fireworks display on the north law of the State Capitol around 9 p.m.