Missouri’s fireworks industry booms

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The start of fireworks sales Thursday in Missouri, one of America's most fireworks-happy states.

According to a report from Value Penguin, Missouri imports the highest value of fireworks per person. Missouri imported $125.8 million in fireworks in 2022, which translates to $20.40 per resident.

Randy Wybrant, a tent manager at Kingdom Fireworks, has spent the past seven years in the fireworks industry.

"I think with the Fourth being on a Thursday, there's going to be a lot of four-day weekends. I think it's going to be a great year," Wybrant said. "I think everything from China is getting more and more expensive. So people are a little more selective on what they buy and how much they buy. Like everything else here, you weigh the pros and cons, but it is the Fourth of July, so you got to blow up something."

When choosing where to buy fireworks, it is important to buy from a retailer with a license. Every year, the Missouri Department of Public Safety's Fire Division issues permits to more than 1,500 seasonal retailers to sell fireworks to the public.

Here are some safety tips from the Missouri Department of Safety Fire Division for when using fireworks:

• Purchase fireworks only from a properly licensed retailer.
• Always wear eye protection and earplugs if you have sensitive ears.
• Tie back long hair and don't wear loose-fitting clothes.
• Only light one firework at a time.

Missouri fireworks sales last until July 10.