Reminder: Fireworks Are Illegal in Town And Country

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, the City of Town and County is reminding residents that shooting off fireworks within city limits is illegal.

A copy of the city ordinance is included in the PDF portion of this article.

St. Louis County police also point out it is illegal to use, possess or sell fireworks within the county.

In an email reminder, the city also released the following information about the dangers of fireworks.

Facts & Figures

According to the National Fire Protection Association each July 4th, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks.

•       In 2011, fireworks caused an estimated 17,800 reported fires, including 1,200 total structure fires, 400 vehicle fires, and 16,300 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated eight reported civilian deaths, 40 civilian injuries and $32 million in direct property damage.

•       In 2011, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,600 people for fireworks related injuries; 61% of 2011 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 34% were to the head.

•       The risk of fireworks injury was highest for children ages 5 -19, and adults 25-44 in a typical year of a very comparable risk across much of the population.

•       On Independence Day in a typical year, far more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for two out of five of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.
Source: NFPA’s Fireworks report, by John R. Hall, Jr., June 2013

We urge you to avoid the use of consumer fireworks and instead to enjoy one of the many area displays of fireworks conducted by trained professionals.