Springfield Fire Department issues reminder, safety tips about fireworks

~ As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, the Springfield Fire Department is reminding the community to celebrate safely. With this year's "America 250" celebration, it is important to follow safety guidelines to avoid any accidents or injuries.

According to the Fire Code, it is prohibited to possess, manufacture, store, sell, handle or discharge fireworks within city limits. However, novelty items such as snappers, party poppers, toy smoke devices or glowworms are allowed but should be used with extreme caution and under adult supervision.

The National Fire Protection Association reports that about 40% of Independence Day structure fires are caused by fireworks. In addition, an average of 18,500 fires are started each year by fireworks. These statistics serve as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with fireworks.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has also released data from 2024 which shows that eleven people died as a result of fireworks and 14,700 were treated for injuries in hospital emergency rooms. The largest share of reported injuries were among adults ages 25 to 44 (32%), followed by people ages 15 to 24 (24%). Furthermore, about 43% of tested fireworks were found to contain illegal components that could cause severe injuries.

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In Missouri alone, data collected by the Department of Health and Senior Services shows that in 2025 there were a total of 358 people seeking hospital care related to fireworks. Of those individuals, 316 were treated in emergency rooms and released while 42 were admitted to the hospital. It is worth noting that a majority (81%) of these injuries occurred in the three-week period surrounding Independence Day (June 21 to July 11).

The most common body parts injured by fireworks include hands or fingers (36%) and head/face/eyes/ears (22%). This highlights the importance of being cautious when handling any type of firework.

Fire Chief David Pennington stresses the dangers of sparklers, which can burn at temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees and are the leading cause of injuries around Fourth of July. He urges parents to educate their children on how to avoid injury from sparklers and to supervise them closely while using them.

For a safe and enjoyable Independence Day celebration, Chief Pennington recommends attending one of the many community displays in and around the city. These displays are put on by professionals who have obtained the necessary permits and safety inspections from the Bureau of Fire Prevention to ensure the safety of the public.

As we prepare to celebrate America's 250th birthday, let us remember to prioritize safety and follow these reminders from the Springfield Fire Department. Let's make this Fourth of July a memorable one for all the right reasons.

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