Fireworks Tents Sprout Up As Independence Day Nears

The fireworks stands have been popping up like so many mushrooms in a damp forest throughout High Ridge and the Fenton areas of Jefferson County.

Take a drive down Highway 30 toward House Springs or down Highway 141 toward Arnold, and the red and white striped tents are plentiful.

And while it's legal to sell and shoot fireworks in Jefferson County, both practices are against the law in the and in St. Louis County overall.

Captain Jeff Bader, precinct commander of the , says his department receives only a few calls from  residents about fireworks usage in their neighborhoods.

"We just don't get very many," Bader said. "People's tolerance for fireworks increases up to the 4th of July and decreases rapidly after the 4th of July. We respond to all calls for service from people when they call about fireworks."

Bader also said he has not personally witnessed any major injuries due to fireworks.

So, how dangerous are they?

"Well, if we don't get any rain they are going to be very dangerous," Bader said, indicating that fireworks have the potential of causing fires because of the dry conditions.

Regardless, the fireworks tents are busy these days with specials on bottle rockets, firecrackers and other implements of mass explosions.

Rick Eckhard, a spokesman for the , said his office steps up patrols around the holiday and typically receives an increased number of calls regarding the use of fireworks.

Eckhard did not have any statistics on the number of tickets handed out for fireworks violations.

“Please call us if you hear fireworks or know of someone igniting them,” he said.

But if you are going to have a backyard or a driveway display where it is legal to do so, the National Council on Fireworks Safety recommends the following common sense tips:

• 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 alcohol;
• 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 safety council’s website.