Think Twice Before Igniting Fireworks

If you live in Eureka and Wildwood, and were planning to hold your own fireworks display to celebrate the Fourth of July, you may want to reconsider that notion because the sale, use and possession of fireworks in St. Louis County is illegal.

“The ban also includes all 91 municipalities included within the county,” said Mac Scott, a county spokesperson. “Violation of the law could cost between $50 and $1,000. The fee is at the discretion of the judge.”

Rick Eckhard, a spokesman for the St. Louis County Police Department, did not have any statistics on the number of tickets handed out for fireworks violations.

Wildwood's ordinance regarding fireworks also prohibits the storing and giving of fireworks, except for items approved by city officials, according to local police officers.

"It's a good time to remind everyone that there is no grace period from fireworks prohibition during the Fourth of July," said Capt. Kenneth Williams, .

"We will respond to complaints about fireworks, and will take enforcement action. No exceptions can be made during the holiday."

Williams said officers will evaluate situations on a case-by-case basis, cluing particularly into the volume of fireworks used.

He said officers especially remain alert to situations at which children are using fireworks without adult supervision.

Remaining fireworks will be package by officers for evidence, Williams said, before summons are issued. "The adjudication is up to the municipal court judge."

He said the safest thing for people to do is to identify one of the professional fireworks displays to enjoy. For a full listing of regional and local fireworks displays, .

In Franklin, Jefferson and St. Charles counties, the use and sale of fireworks is permitted. However, some cities within those counties, like St. Peter’s, have bans prohibiting the practice.

If you do plan on using fireworks to celebrate the holiday, the state has several regulations regarding ignitions. In Missouri, it is illegal to:

• Set off fireworks within 600 feet of any church, hospital, mental health facility or school or within 100 feet of where fireworks are stored or sold;
• Ignite fireworks within 300 feet of any gas station or where gas is permanently stored;
• Throw fireworks from or into a motorized vehicle including watercraft or at or near any person.

Additionally, the National Council on Fireworks Safety recommends the following common sense tips on using fireworks:

• Only use fireworks outdoors;
• Be sure to have a water supply nearby;
• Wear safety glasses;
• Read the instructions on the fireworks carefully and follow the directions;
• Avoid consuming alcohol while handling fireworks;
• Don’t try to relight a dud firework;
• Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in the trash;
• Don’t use homemade fireworks or illegal explosives.

For more tips, visit the council’s website.

Editor's Note:  Eureka-Wildwood Patch editor Julie Brown Patton contributed information to this article.