Seasonal retailers may begin selling fireworks on Thursday in Missouri.
Ahead of the Independence Day season, State Fire Marshal Tim Bean says that safety must come first when celebrating.
July 4th is the busiest day for firework sales in the United States, but the Marshal says it's also one of the busiest days for firefighters.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, about 40% of Independence Day structure fires are the result of fireworks. Additionally, around 250 people go to emergency rooms every day with firework-related injuries during the week of July 4th.
The fire marshal's warning comes after a structure fire broke out at the Spirit of '76 warehouse in May. It took multiple fire department days to put out the fire.
Fireworks are prohibited within many city limits, and the Division of Fire Safety encourages residents to check their local laws.
While fireworks are prohibited within Columbia city limits, the Columbia Fire encourages everyone to leave the fireworks to the professionals.
"The only safe way to view fireworks is to attend a professional show," a department spokesperson said. "Every Fourth of July, the city of Columbia puts on 'Fire in the Sky' at Stephens Lake Park. (We) highly recommend that instead."
Bean echoed those sentiments in the release, but offered a word of caution to those who choose to handle fireworks themselves.
"If folks choose to use consumer fireworks, please handle them with extreme caution and do not allow children to use fireworks," Bean said.
The Department of Public Safety says Missourians who choose to use consumer fireworks should follow these safety tips:
- Confirm fireworks are legal where you live; only purchase fireworks from licensed retailers.
- Only use fireworks in a large open space that has been cleared of flammable materials.
- Always keep young children away from fireworks; if teens are permitted to handle fireworks, they should be closely supervised by an adult; always wear eye protection.
- Make sure to have a garden hose or a bucket of water nearby in case of a fire.
- Only light fireworks one at a time; never try to re-light fireworks that have malfunctioned.
- Dispose of fireworks by soaking them in water and leaving them in a trash can.
- Never shoot fireworks off from a glass jar or container.
- Never use fireworks while consuming alcohol.
- Never store fireworks from season to season.
Consumer fireworks may be sold in Missouri until July 10.
