State Fire Marshal urges caution as firework sales, celebrations begin

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KQTV) -- As Missourians prepare for a summer full of festivities and celebrations, the Missouri State Fire Marshal and the Division of Fire Safety are urging residents to keep safety at the forefront of planning.

A few celebrations, including the "America 250" commemoration and FIFA World Cup events in the Kansas City, Missouri, area, may include fireworks.

"Because July 4th- the largest fireworks event each year- is also the 250th anniversary of American independence this year, we expect to see more gatherings and an uptick in the use of fireworks," State Fire Marshal Tim Bean said. "We can also know that some international soccer fans associate fireworks and pyrotechnics with soccer celebrations, and we want to make sure that everyone understands these devices are dangerous and banned from use by the public at public events and large gatherings. Legal fireworks stands will be popping up across the state on June 20, but it remains illegal to use fireworks in more jurisdictions in the Kansas City area on most days."

Fireworks sales at seasonal retailers are legal in Missouri between June 20 and July 10. Through June 11, the Division of Fire Safety has issued 1,129 permits to seasonal fireworks retailers.

The Division of Fire Safety said it is encouraging Missourians and visitors to take advantage of public fireworks displays, which are often the "biggest and best displays" and are the safest.

According to 2025 data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), 358 people sought hospital care related to fireworks; 316 were treated in emergency rooms and released, and 42 were admitted to the hospital.

Of the aforementioned number, 288 of the injuries occurred in the three weeks leading up to and after July 4.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that across the U.S., there was a 38% rise in fireworks deaths and over 50% increase in injuries in 2024 compared to 2023.

According to CPSC:

• 11 people died across the U.S. as a result of fireworks
• 14,700 people were treated for injuries in hospital emergency rooms
• An estimated 1,700 injuries that involved sparklers required emergency room treatment

DFS said it conducts safety inspections at fireworks retailers, including checking to make sure they sell only legally permitted fireworks, that they have at least two exits, are equipped with fire extinguishers and that fireworks tents have been treated with fire retardant chemicals.