As Missourians begin plans and preparations for Fourth of July holiday celebrations, they should also keep in mind the danger posed by the misuse of fireworks.
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As Missourians begin plans and preparations for Fourth of July holiday celebrations, they should also keep in mind the danger posed by the misuse of fireworks. Fireworks sales at seasonal retailers are legal in Missouri between June 20 and July 10. Through June 16, the Division of Fire Safety had issued 1,127 permits to seasonal fireworks retailers.
“Across the U.S., Independence Day is the busiest day of the year for fires, and we’re also entering the time of year when the vast majority of fireworks injuries occur,” said State Fire Marshal Tim Bean. “We encourage folks to take advantage of public fireworks displays, but if you choose to use consumer fireworks, do so cautiously, follow the manufacturer’s instructions; do not consume alcohol and do not allow children to handle fireworks.”
In 2024 in Missouri, 328 people sought hospital care related to fireworks, 291 of the 328 were treated and discharged from the emergency room, 37 were inpatient visits and 261 of these fireworks injuries occurred in the three weeks leading up to and after the Fourth of July.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, across the U.S. in 2023, 8 people died as a result of fireworks, 9,700 people were treated for injuries in hospital emergency rooms and children under 15 accounted for an estimated 31% of injuries.
Missourians who choose to use consumer fireworks should follow these safety tips.
Confirm fireworks are legal where they live, and 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 and should always wear eye protection.
Make sure to have a garden hose or bucket of water nearby in case of a fire.
Only light fireworks one at a time, and 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 from a glass jar or container. Never use fireworks while consuming alcohol and never store fireworks from season to season.
The DFS conducts safety inspections at fireworks retailers, including checking to make sure they sell only legally permitted consumer fireworks, that they have at least two exits, are equipped with fire extinguishers and that fireworks tents have been treated with fire retardant chemicals.
