It's more than a week until the Fourth of July - a holiday celebrated with bottle rockets, roman candles and M-80s - and area law enforcement agencies have already received fireworks-related calls.
The Jefferson City Police Department has responded to 13 so far this year. Between June and August of last year, police response to fireworks calls totaled to 139. Within city limits, fireworks are illegal to be discharged and cannot be sold, either, following a change to city ordinance years ago.
Those caught shooting fireworks could be given a fine through municipal courts.
Cole County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to three calls this year, but Capt. John Wheeler said he anticipates an increase in the following week as Independence Day nears. The agency responded to 28 last year between June and July in the county, where fireworks are allowed.
The Jefferson City Fire Department has yet to be called out for fireworks as of Friday, according to Jason Turner, JCFD spokesman.
Fireworks can be shot starting at 9 a.m. in unincorporated areas of Cole County and must stop by 11 p.m. Fourth of July and New Year's Eve are the exceptions to the rule, and fireworks can be shot off until 1 a.m. on those dates.
When shooting off fireworks, here are some rules to follow:
Do not allow young children near fireworks while being discharged.
Watch over older children when fireworks are being discharged.
Do not point fireworks toward automobiles, structures or people.
Avoid shooting off fireworks in dry wooded areas and fields.
Small children should not play with sparklers.
JCFD warned residents earlier this summer against the use of sky lanterns, which carry an open flame. Sky lanterns fall under fire code and are prohibited.
The "Red, White & Boom" fireworks display in downtown Jefferson City is scheduled for 9:15 p.m. on July 4 as the conclusion to the Salute to America festival.
"The safest (fireworks) are the ones on public display," Turner said.