Missouri
Missouri Fire Marshal Urges Fireworks Safety as July Fourth Approaches
By Bob Hudson
Jun 29, 2009 - 2:45:40 PM

With Fourth of July weekend celebrations just days away, State Fire Marshal Randy Cole, in conjunction with the National Association of State Fire Marshals, is advising Missourians that the safest way to enjoy fireworks is at public displays put on by professionals.

According to the Department of Health and Senior Services, a 40 year old man was killed in Missouri by fireworks last July 4th. In a typical year, more U.S. fires are reported on Independence Day than on any other day, and fireworks account for half of those fires. In Missouri, emergency room records indicate 416 people were treated for fireworks-related injuries in 2007; 30 people were admitted, and emergency room records indicate that from 2002 to 2007, almost 2,650 people were treated for fireworks related injuries. The most recent state and national figures available indicate an estimated 9,800 people were treated for fireworks related injuries at U.S. hospital emergency rooms in 2007. 36 percent of emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the head and 56 percent were to the extremities.  The risk of fireworks injury is two-and-a-half times as high for children ages 5-14 as for the general population.

Fire Marshal Cole says, “Too many times fireworks injuries can result in permanent scarring and disfigurement, usually affecting hands, fingers and facial features. In hindsight, the victims all wish they’d have been more cautious and used better judgment.”   Fireworks sales at licensed seasonal retailers are legal in Missouri from June 20 to July 10.   This year the Division of Fire Safety licensed about 1,300 seasonal retailers.   State permits should be displayed at all seasonal retail locations.    Anyone with concerns about a fireworks dealer or the types of fireworks being sold by a dealer should call the State Fire Marshal’s office at: 573-751-2930.