“CoMo Fireworks War” goes off in Boone County

Editor’s note: KMIZ has removed video from this story because it was obtained in a manner that did not meet newsroom standards.

Despite warnings from law enforcement against participating, more than one hundred people took part in a fireworks war in Boone County Wednesday night, starting around 10:15 p.m.

Boone County Sheriff’s deputies and emergency personnel staged outside the Demaret Drive neighborhood at the Boone County fire station on St. Charles Road.

The war had previously been held in north Columbia where possessing or setting off fireworks is illegal. This year, participants moved to the Lake of the Woods area in the county, where fireworks are legal.

Those participating called it a “tradition” that’s been happening for decades.

Boone County fire officials told ABC 17 News that they were on hand for emergencies but didn’t want to risk personnel in the thick of the fireworks fight.

Boone County deputies refused to talk to ABC 17 News when reporters tried to ask why they weren’t going into the neighborhood.

There was a call about a 13-year-old getting hit by a firework, but fire officials said they couldn’t find the caller or the girl when they arrived at the scene.

Many residents told ABC 17 News they were not happy the fight was moved to their neighborhood. They thought it was too close to the houses and unsuspecting children and families.

Those participating, and others who were just watching, said it was “fun.” Many people told ABC 17 News that this was a way to settle differences in a way that doesn’t include extreme violence or guns.

One participant said they’d lost too many good people this year because of deadly shootings or other incidents.

Fireworks can be dangerous, but participants said people rarely get hurt, and if they do, injuries are limited to minor burns.

ABC 17 News will check in with emergency rooms and law enforcement on Thursday to find out if anyone got hurt or if any arrests were made.

Participants are asked to go back the area the next day and clean up the mess.