Boone County FPD reminds people of safe firework disposal for Fourth of July weekend
Marie Moyer
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
From large mortar fireworks to sparklers, the Boone County Fire Protection District is reminding people to stay aware of potential dangers when using fireworks this Fourth of July weekend.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission found there were 11 reported fireworks-related deaths and 14,700 injuries in 2024. This marked an increase of about 38% in deaths and about 52% in injuries. There were also around 1,700 emergency injuries last year involving sparklers.
We’ve had people with their hands blown off, fingers blown off, a lot of soft tissue injuries in the past,” BCFPD Assistant Chief Gale Blomenkamp said.
All fireworks feature a warning and instruction label on how to properly handle them. Fireworks without the labels are most likely counterfeit and should be avoided. Fireworks can be stored in a dark, dry area. While fireworks don’t expire, they can degrade over time, affecting ignition and burn time.
The best environment for fireworks is open, flat ground away from trees and houses. Driveways and grass and slanted, should also be avoided to prevent any fireworks from tipping over. Blomenkamp adds that something flat, like a piece of plywood, can be used. Fireworks should also be kept away from dry brush.
Sparklers can also reach temperatures as high as 2,000 degrees and are recommended to be used with adult supervision, according to the CPSC. A field test on Wednesday showed a sparkler reached more than 400 degree.
The BCFPD recommends piercing an upside-down cup through the bottom of a sparkler to protect hands from the sparks.
Used fireworks and sparklers can stay hot more than 100 degrees. Let them cool for 10-15 minutes or soak them in water before throwing them out in a metal bin or trash can to prevent any fires. Never relight defective fireworks; soak them in water and throw them out safely.
“What we see a lot of times is kids will get done with these. They’ll throw them on the ground, they’ll run to get another one, and somebody else will inevitably step on it,” Blomenkamp said.
Bloomenkamp also recommends homeowners check their properties when fireworks go off nearby.
“Because you’re in a neighborhood subdivision does not mean that everything is safe and you’re exempt from starting a natural cover fire, people can have dry leaves in their gutters, they can have dry grasses or leaves around their house still,” Bloomenkamp said. “Follow the recommended instructions on the package, shoot them off that way and it could be a safe holiday.”
Cities like Columbia, Jefferson City, Fayette and Ashland have bans on fireworks within city limits or require permits to handle them, it’s recommended for people to reach out to their local fire, police or sheriff’s office for the rules before purchasing or lighting fireworks.