Firework stands open around the state ahead of July 4

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

More than 1,100 firework stands are now open for business in Missouri until July 10, according to the Missouri Department of Public Safety.

But, while they are open they will undergo a safety inspection.

The Missouri Department of Public Safety has a firework display checklist it uses every year to give any licensed firework retailer permission to sell. Firework displays must have a minimum of two fire extinguishers on site and at least one pressurized water type.

Extinguishers must be at least 35 feet in reaching distance, accessible in all locations and employees are required to know how to operate an extinguisher.

Gale Blomenkamp with the Boone County Fire Protection says multiple exits is also a must for the pop-up vendors.

"They gotta have two ways out of that tent, and so just because you are in a tent outside doesn't mean you can't get stuck in there so you gotta have two ways out." Blomenkamp says.

The department requires displays to not discharge fireworks within 100 feet and stands must have a sign with four letters at each entrance that reads, "no fireworks discharge within 100 feet."

Smoking is prohibited in or within 25 feet of the sales area and signs must be at each entrance stating "Fireworks: No smoking."

Rose Walker, tent manager at Spirit 76 Fireworks says their crews completed their safety training ahead of opening.

"Fire exinguisher the difference between a chemical fire and a regular fire, when to know and when to use each different fire hydrant in case theres a fire." Walker says.

Drought conditions could increase a chance of a fire.

The ABC 17 StormTrack Weather Team says 91% of the state is currently in a drought.

Blomenkamp says if you choose to light up the fireworks you bought at a tent you need to keep in mind the dry conditions as a fire could start quickly and you should always have water on standby.

"Several natural cover fires, and it wouldn't be out of the ordinary for a structure fire to be caused by fire works and people just need to understand there is a risk when you do it and you a responsible for the damage it causes." Blomenkamp said.

Blomenkamp also recommends after lighting off fireworks to not put them in a trash can next to home and to dispose of them in a bucket of water to avoid a fire..

Fireworks are prohibited from being set off or sold within Columbia city limits but are legal to shoot in Boone County.