Fire departments warn of firework dangers

The state of Missouri is pretty well known for its leniency on firework regulations. Missouri is one of a few states that allow nearly all fireworks to be sold to residents.

But each county and city can have it own regulations.

In the city of Columbia and Jefferson City, it is illegal to ignite nearly all fireworks outside of sparklers.

A city of Columbia ordinance reads “Every person who shall … possess, use, burn, explode or set off any firecracker, torpedo, bomb, rocket, pinwheel, fire balloon, Roman candles or any other firecracker or fireworks within the city shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor.”

In Jefferson City, their ordinance reads “it shall be a violation of this code for any person to store, use or explode any fireworks, except as provided by the Fire Code”

Setting off fireworks, away from professionals, can also cause potential dangers.

The atmosphere is still muggy but Mid-Missouri has very dry ground conditions and a firework not fully extinguished can spark a fire. Setting off illegal fireworks in the city is also dangerous with so many homes clustered together.

For people who still want to launch their own fireworks, the Red Cross also recommends never giving fireworks to children and always following the packaging instructions; keeping water nearby as a precaution as well as wearing eye protection while lighting fireworks; store fireworks in a cool, dry place and only light one at a time.

The city of Columbia and Jefferson City will hold Fourth of July celebrations.

The city of Columbia will have a fireworks show on Monday, July 4 at 9:15 p.m. at Flat Branch Park in downtown. The events start at 6:30 p.m. with children’s activities. Fireworks will be choreographedto music simulcast on BXR 102.3. The fireworks will be launched from top of parking garage at Sixth and Cherry.

The city says to bring blankets and lawn chairs but no alcohol or grills.

A schedule for Jefferson City’s Salute to America weekend events can be found here.