As Callawegians prepare for Independence Day, here are the rules for fireworks

Division of Fire Safety offers fireworks safety tips

Grayson Peneston, 16, of Fulton sells fireworks to a patron Thursday evening off of North Bluff Street.
Grayson Peneston, 16, of Fulton sells fireworks to a patron Thursday evening off of North Bluff Street.

With Independence Day just around the corner, fireworks vendors have popped up around the area. Here are what local laws and regulations there are for shooting off fireworks.

Callaway County

•The county recognizes all rules and regulations administered by the state of Missouri. There are no bans or specific times that fireworks can be bought or shot off.

Kingdom City

•The village allows fireworks to be sold, but they can not be used within Kingdom City.

Mokane

•The city of Mokane has no specific regulations on fireworks, when they can be bought or when they can be shot off.

Auxvasse

•Fireworks may be shot off 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. June 21-July 11. Only Class C common fireworks are allowed - no cherry bombs, M-80s, M-100s or M-1,000s or pyrotechnics. They may be sold from 8 a.m. June 20 until 11 p.m. July 10.

Fulton

•Fireworks may be shot off 1-11 p.m. July 3-5. Only common fireworks are allowed. A licensed operator is required for discharge of display fireworks, which are defined as "Explosive devices designed primarily to produce visible or audible effects by combustion, deflagration or detonation. This term includes devices containing more than two grains (130MG) of explosive composition intended for public display." Throwing or shooting fireworks at people; out of, under or at vehicles; at buildings; within 500 feet of a church service; or on any public street or other public place within the city is also prohibited. Fireworks may be sold June 20 to July 10.

Holts Summit

•Selling fireworks in the City of Holts Summit is permitted until July 10, but requires a business license which can be attained through the city clerk. Fireworks can be shot off 6-10 p.m. now until June 30; 1-11 p.m. July 1-3; 10 p.m. to midnight July 4; 6-10 p.m. July 5-10. According to Holts Summit ordinance, the explosives come with a couple restrictions: fireworks cannot be shot within 300 feet of flammable gasoline, 100 feet of a fireworks stand or 600 feet from a church or school; aiming fireworks at a structure or building, vehicle or at a human or animal is prohibited. Parental supervision does not disqualify persons under 17 years from these restrictions.

The City of New Bloomfield did not send requested information to the Fulton Sun in time for publication.

Fireworks safety tips from the Division of Fire Safety:

The Division of Fire Safety reminds Missourians that public firework displays put on by trained professionals are the safest way to enjoy fireworks, according to a press release. About 40 percent of the U.S. fireworks injuries that send people to hospital emergency rooms each year affect children under age 15, the press release stated.

Even small fireworks like sparklers are unpredictable and improper use can lead to injuries. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), far more fires are reported in the U.S. on a typical Independence Day than on any other day of the year.

Fireworks sales at licensed seasonal retailers are legal in Missouri from June 20 to July 10.

The Division of Fire Safety offered these safety tips:

•Purchase fireworks only from a properly licensed retailer.

•Always keep young children away from fireworks. If teens are permitted to handle fireworks they should be closely supervised by an adult.

•Only use fireworks in a large open space that has been cleared of flammable materials. Never light fireworks indoors.

•Always wear eye protection; use earplugs if you have sensitive ears.

•Tie back long hair and don't wear loose fitting clothes.

•Only light one firework at a time; never try to re-light fireworks that have malfunctioned.

•Never have any part of your body over fireworks.

•Never throw or point fireworks at other people.

•Never carry fireworks in your pocket.

•Make sure to have water nearby in case of a fire or accident.

•Dispose of fireworks by soaking them in water and leaving them in a trash can.

•Don't use fireworks while consuming alcohol. Use a "designated shooter."

•Store fireworks in a cool, dry place. Don't save fireworks from season to season.