WARRENSBURG – As this weekend’s Fourth of July festivities get closer, many people are picking up their own fireworks to shoot off in celebration of the country’s 250th birthday.
Because this is only the second year shooting fireworks within city limits has been legalized, Jeremy VanWey, Division Chief-Fire Marshal for the Warrensburg Fire Department, shared some tips, tricks and reminders for community members to enjoy the celebration safely.
Where to buy: Firework suppliers
Though it’s been a full year since the WFD has updated its fire code ordinance to legalize the sale of fireworks within city limits, VanWey said this year is the first tented sales have operated in town.
“We allow for up to five firework tents in the city limits,” ” VanWey said. “Those tents are only open to nonprofit opportunities. So, currently, the two tents in Warrensburg are being operated by Big Brothers Big Sisters and Tau Kappa Epsilon.”
Located at 100 N. Maguire St. and 328 E. Young St., VanWey said these two tents are the only two licensed to operate within Warrensburg’s city limits. All others are beyond town borders and fall out of the fire department’s purview.
“There are some things that you cannot buy in Warrensburg,” VanWey said. “(If you) go out into the county, to all the tents that are right outside city limits, there’s a few things they can sell there that you can’t sell in town, but we thought it was beneficial to at least provide that opportunity for the citizens of Warrensburg.”
Know the code: Shoot times and prohibited items
Once folks have gathered their supplies, VanWey said shooting can start as early as Thursday, July 2, and run through July 4. Any shooting done outside of the following timeframes, he said, would be considered illegal.
“We’ve already had some shooting-off in town, which is still against the fire code,” VanWey said. “The discharge of approved fireworks is allowed from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 2, and 3rd, and from 10 a.m. to midnight on July 4, and there are some restrictions on what can be shopped.”
Prohibited items, VanWey said, include rockets on a stick; bottle rockets; missiles with fins or rudders used for flight; roman candles and single/multi-shot parachutes.
Firework best practices: Safety
With more opportunities to shoot one’s own fireworks, VanWey said, comes more opportunities for potential risk.
When operating fireworks within city limits, and anywhere for that matter, VanWey said staying aware of one’s surroundings is key.
“Under the fire code ordinance, if you purchase (fireworks) and light them, you are still responsible for them,” VanWey said. “If it doesn’t land back on your property, and if it were to cause a fire or damage, you’re liable. That is part of that risk nobody thinks about.”
While VanWey said people with larger properties are less likely to run into issues given the space they have to shoot, he said folks in high-traffic residential areas are at more risk of injury or causing damage if they’re not shooting mindfully.
“If you’re in a neighborhood (where) the houses are relatively close together, those are some things to keep in mind – where and how we’re shooting,” VanWey said. “Somebody who lives in an apartment complex said, ‘Well, can I shoot them in the complex?’ That’s up to your apartment complex – they are the property owners, so you still need permission or know what the rules are.”
While maintaining spatial awareness is a crucial part of the firework-safety equation, VanWey said monitoring the use of drugs and alcohol, wearing protective gear, watching for high-winds and keeping an eye on kids in the area are also incredibly important things to consider.
“I know kids love to do fireworks, but just make sure that we’re being very careful with that close, adult supervision, kind of making sure they understand and have some respect for how (fireworks) are,” VanWey said. “The sparklers, those things get up to 2,000 degrees. I mean, it can leave a pretty significant burn.”
Disposal
To dispose of used fireworks, VanWey said soaking the explosives in a bucket of water before tossing them in the garbage is the best way to ensure any duds don’t accidentally go off later.
“When things don’t go off like they’re supposed to, being very careful with those is a good idea,” VanWey said. “Don’t just shoot off all your fireworks, go out in the driveway or the front yard, pick them all up and immediately throw them in the trashcan. Make sure they’re all out.”
Alternative options
For those interested in less-risky firework alternatives, VanWey said there’s a few options folks can consider.
“So, a lot of people will use streamers, confetti poppers, glow sticks, things like that,” VanWey said. “There are other ways to have fun and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.”
Another alternative for folks who might feel uneasy about setting off their own fireworks, VanWey said, was leaving the shows to the professionals.
From Warrensburg’s Freedom Festival, to Whiteman Air Force Base’s annual demonstration, VanWey said there is no shortage of events for folks to enjoy during this momentous Fourth of July.
“There are going to be a lot of shows to go to. That’s the safest and easiest way, is to let somebody else do it and just sit and watch,” VanWey said. “There’s a lot of different things around the community – you don’t need to run off to the city or the lake – you can stay here in Warrensburg. (We’re) looking forward to a fun weekend and keeping everybody safe.”
Hasina Shah can be reached at 660-747-8123.
