Western Taney County Fire Protection District Firefighters encourage fireworks safety this 4th of July holiday

Western Taney County Fire Protection District (WTCFPD) Firefighters urges the community to “Celebrate Safely” when purchasing and discharging fireworks to help keep your family safe and reduce the risk of fires this 4th of July holiday season. 

Fireworks may be sold in the State of Missouri and in the Fire District from June 20 through July 10. There are on average eight-10 stands in the Fire District licensed and approved to sell consumer fireworks to the public each year. 

The Fire District covers the western one-third of Taney County and there are no specific ordinances for the discharging of fireworks in the unincorporated areas. However, several of the cities and villages in the fire district do have ordinances including: 

City of Hollister on July 1-5; Rockaway Beach on July 3-5; Merriam Woods on June 30-July 5 

Accidental fires and injuries are the two common results from fireworks that are not used properly. “Our firefighters encourage everyone to follow the instructions on the label of all the different types of fireworks,” stated Division Chief Ted Martin. “Fireworks should never be held in the hand and safety glasses should be worn. It takes just seconds to lose an eye, cause burns, or a traumatic injury,” added Martin. 

Even seemingly harmless, sparklers are a leading cause of injury. For children under the age of five, sparklers account for three-quarters of all fireworks injuries. Fascinated by the bright sparks, children may wrap their hands around a stick of fire that maintain temperatures reaching 1,800 degrees. 

Following injuries, fireworks cause thousands of fires each year across the nation. Lighters, matches and projectile type fireworks are the leading causes of fires during the Fourth of July holiday. A misguided bottle rocket or other aerial device landing on a roof could start a devastating fire. 

As a safety reminder, WTCFPD firefighters offer these simple fireworks safety tips: 

·       Always purchase fireworks from licensed fireworks stand that sell only Class C (Common) or 1.4G fireworks. 

·       Fireworks activities should always be done under the close supervision of an adult.

·       Never point fireworks at another person.

·       Use fireworks only in a clear area away from buildings, vehicles and vegetation.

·       Never shoot fireworks in a metal or glass container. 

·       Light only one firework at a time and move away quickly. 

·       Always keep a water source, like bucket of water or a garden hose, close by to cool used fireworks completely to extinguish any small fires. 

One of the safest ways to enjoy fireworks is by attending a commercial fireworks display set off by licensed professionals. Several displays are scheduled around the Fire District including: 

Saturday, June 27: College of the Ozarks 

Friday, July 3: Liberty Light Up at Branson Landing (from Lake Taneycomo and Mt. Branson) 

Saturday, July 4: City of Hollister - Rockaway Beach, Big Cedar Resort 

If you have any questions concerning fireworks and their safe usage, contact the WTCFPD Fire Prevention Division at 417-334-3440 and watch for updates on our Facebook Page by following us @ Western Taney County Fire Protection District.