City amends fireworks ordinance; fire department encourages safe use

Bolivar residents will again have the chance to shoot off fireworks within city limits this holiday season.

People can use consumer fireworks within city limits from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. from Friday, June 30, through Tuesday, July 4, per ordinance.

There is a change to this year’s fireworks ordinance — no floating lanterns are allowed within city limits.

Most restrictions in the fireworks ordinance remain the same as last year, however.

Those younger than 18 years old must have adult supervision while shooting off fireworks.

Also, people cannot use fireworks in city parks, within 300 feet of a gas station or within 500 feet of any fireworks stand, public gathering or public building.

According to the ordinance, the use of fireworks is not allowed if a burn ban has been issued by the Bolivar City Fire Department.

Bolivar City Fire Chief Brent Watkins encourages the community to keep safety standards in mind when using fireworks this holiday season.

He notes the city’s ordinance requires people to be “careful and prudent” when shooting off fireworks within city limits.

“Injuries from fireworks are very real and happen across the nation every Fourth of July holiday season,” Watkins says. “Using fireworks irresponsibly can lead to serious burns, injuries and even death. We don’t want any member of our community to get hurt in this way.”

Watkins shares the following safety tips for the use of fireworks:

• Don’t allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. Young children can even suffer injuries from sparklers, which burn at temperatures of around 2,000 degrees — hot enough to melt some metals.
• Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities.
• Don’t place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Don’t try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully. They could ignite at any moment.
• Don’t point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Don’t carry fireworks in a pocket.
• Don’t shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishaps.
• After fireworks are done burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose. Leave them in a bucket of water overnight.
• Don’t immediately throw used fireworks in the trash.
• Buy fireworks from a state authorized vendor.

“Our fire department family wants you, your family and your friends to have a safe and fun holiday season,” Watkins says. “Please keep safety and caution in mind if you choose to shoot off fireworks this Fourth of July.”

Find more information about fireworks safety on the Missouri Department of Public Safety website at dfs.dps.mo.gov/safetytips/fireworks-safety.php. To view the entire City of Bolivar fireworks ordinance, visit https://ecode360.com/BO3244 and click on Section 225.570.