Reminder: St. Peters Says No to Fireworks

residents will have to find somewhere else to watch fireworks for the Fourth of July. The backyard is most definitely out. 

While you can buy and use fireworks in unincorporated St. Charles County, the city of St. Peters doesn't allow the use of the explosive devices. St. Peters doesn't even host a fireworks display. 

During Thursday's Board of Aldermen meeting, several board members advised the public to obey the law in St. Peters. Board President Patrick Barclay pointed to wildfires in Colorado as a reason why people, even in the pockets of unincorporated St. Charles County that allow fireworks, should avoid the explosives. 

If you're traveling, the use of fireworks is permitted in Franklin, Jefferson and St. Charles counties, but is against the law in St. Louis County.

If you do plan on using fireworks to celebrate the holiday, the state has several regulations regarding ignitions. In Missouri, it is illegal to:

• Set off fireworks within 600 feet of any church, hospital, mental health facility or school or within 100 feet of where fireworks are stored or sold;
• Ignite fireworks within 300 feet of any gas station or where gas is permanently stored;
• Throw fireworks from or into a motorized vehicle including watercraft or at or near any person.

Additionally, the National Council on Fireworks Safety recommends the following common sense tips on using fireworks:

• 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 council’s website.