Fireworks stands opened in Missouri Friday. While fireworks are still illegal in Kansas City proper, it's the eighth year in a row fireworks have been legal in nearby Independence.
Fire inspectors in Independence say accidents have decreased because of the legalization, but that they still see accidents every year.
"We have had some fatal accidents, people making their own fireworks," said Bob Frazier, fire inspector for the Independence Fire Department.
Starting Friday morning, and every day through July 5, Frazier inspects fireworks tents throughout Independence, not only to make sure all fireworks being sold are legal, but also to make sure tents are safe.
"We've got to have inventory of what's in stock, so if I need to know what you have, they can give me what they have," said Frazier.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2014, the most recent year for statistics, 10,500 people in the United States went to emergency rooms from fireworks-related injuries in the days immediately around the 4th of July holiday.
And while all the fireworks at the Independence stands Friday were deemed legal, caution is urged no matter the firework. The biggest injury culprit has been sparklers, accounting for 28 percent of injuries from the 2014 NFPA numbers.
Tim Crouch runs a fireworks tent at 40 Highway and Noland Road. His best advice is basically just to read and follow instructions before lighting off any firework. It's straightforward, but it's solid advice.
"Fireworks stands hand you a safety pamphlet, it takes less than five minutes, sit down with your kids, have a cold drink and read the thing," said Crouch.
And, of course, use common sense.
"Just avoid doing anything that's going to put yourself or anybody else in any type of harm," said Frazier.
It is against the law in Kansas City proper to have fireworks in your possession or to shoot off fireworks at all.
It is best to consult your local city administration to find out which fire works are legal in your city and when you can shoot them off. Or you can check out our handy guide here.
Here's a reminder as to which fireworks are illegal in Independence:
- Floating lanterns
- Bottle rockets
- Anything homemade
You could be arrested for attempting to make your own fireworks.
Thee are 16 fireworks stands in Independence, and all of them at least partly benefit local non profits. The stand at 40 Highway and Noland benefits Hillcrest Ministries.
Stands are open through noon on July 5.
Fireworks in Independence can only be lit from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 3 and 5, but those hours extend to midnight on July 4.
-----
