Highlighting city fireworks ordinances ahead of the Fourth of July holiday

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- As St. Joseph residents gear up for sparks to fly this weekend, the City of St. Joseph has fireworks ordinances in place for safety purposes.

City Ordinance 16-32 states, "No person shall store, offer for sale, expose for sale, sell at retail, use, explode, discharge, set off or possess any Class 1.4G fireworks, devices or any device with a report; or any device that discharges a projectile or any fireworks forbidden for shipment by the Interstate Commerce Commission or any fireworks condemned or prohibited by the Bureau of Explosives..."

The ordinance also says it has exceptions for certain fireworks like: sparklers, colored torches, colored fire cones and boxes, nonpoisonous snakes, colored smoke items without report, cones, fountains, pinwheels, spinners, spinner wheels, snappers, caps used in toy cap guns and confetti-type poppers.

Although city ordinances do not specifically say when residents can begin setting off explosives, it does say seasonal retailers are permitted to sell fireworks from June 20 through July 10.

The St. Joseph Fire Department also encourages not allowing young children to play with fireworks and only allowing older children to use fireworks under adult supervision.

Additionally, it is recommended to set off fireworks in a clear area, away from houses, dry leaves and other flammable materials.

It is also recommended to keep a bucket of water nearby when using fireworks and not to use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.