St. Peters Says No to Fireworks

St. Peters 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 St. Charles County, the city of St. Peters doesn't allow the use of the explosive devices. 

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

“The ban also includes all 91 municipalities included within the county,” said Mac Scott, a county spokesperson. “Violation of the law could cost between $50 and $1,000. The fee is at the discretion of the judge.”

Rick Eckhard, a spokesman for the St. Louis County Police Department, said his office steps up patrols around the holiday and typically receives an increased number of calls regarding the use offireworks. Eckhard did not have any statistics on the number of tickets handed out for fireworksviolations.

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

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.