Ordinances restrict where fireworks can be set off

With the Fourth of July holiday approaching, officials are reminding people where they can and cannot set off fireworks.

“We want people to have fun on the 4th of July, but we also want them to be careful too and respectful of other people,” said Tom O’Sullivan, Boone County Sheriff’s Detective.

In Boone County there is no written ordinance regarding where people are permitted to set off fireworks. Sullivan said the Boone County Sheriff’s Department treats firework incidents as peace disturbance complaints, which is a state statute.

“It’s the same if you were playing your music loud and disturbing the peace of another person,” he said.

A person who is issued a disturbance of peace summons for the second time could face fines up to $1,000.

Ordinances are stricter within the city of Columbia. It states, “those who explode or set off firecrackers, torpedoes, rockets, Roman candles and other fireworks shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.” Special one day firework displays require a permit from the city manager.

A similar ordinance exists within Jefferson City in Cole County. Those who wish to set off fireworks within city limits and throughout the county must have a permit from the fire department.

“Anything that is a party favor is allowed to be discharged inside the city throughout the year,” said Jason Turner, Jefferson Fire Department Division Chief. “But anything outside of the party favor is not permitted to be discharged inside the city.

Violators could face fines anywhere between $50 to $500 dollars.

The Boone County Public Safety Joint Communications asks residents to call its non-emergency line to report the discharging of fireworks at (573) 442-6131.