[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling and use of fireworks are prohibited

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Fire Marshal's Office
(573) 874-7391


Possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling and use of fireworks are prohibited

COLUMBIA, MO (June 29, 2012) - This Fourth of July, Columbia firefighters and Columbia police remind citizens that discharging fireworks within the city limits is prohibited by ordinance. Citizens are advised to leave fireworks to the professionals and attend the "Fire in the Sky" display in the District or a professional display in their local area.                

Except for special, permitted displays, the 2009 International Fire Code, adopted by the city of Columbia, explicitly prohibits the possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling and use of fireworks in the Columbia city limits.

While fireworks produce brilliant, colorful displays, they also pose a significant safety risk. While celebrating Independence Day, residents should be mindful of the following safety risks and take necessary precautions to avoid potential danger:

*The most common feature of fireworks is a paper or pasteboard tube or casing filled with combustible material. Even in a controlled environment the potential for danger is significant. 

*In 2010, 3,400 children under age 15 were injured by fireworks.

*An estimated 8,800 people were sent to emergency rooms in 2009 as a result of fireworks injuries. 

*Hands, fingers and eyes are areas most injured by fireworks.  

*More than 50 percent of injuries are burns while 25 percent are lacerations.  

*Sparklers can burn at 1,200 degrees and account for 25 percent of all injuries.

Citizens who have a fireworks complaint, should not call 9-1-1 but instead contact the Joint Communications non-emergency phone number at (573) 442-6131.


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