With Independence Day less than two weeks away, Jefferson City Fire Department officials are reminding residents of safety rules regarding fireworks.
Not only is there an ordinance prohibiting private discharge of fireworks in Jefferson City limit, but fireworks sales are also not allowed in city limits.
Saturday was the first day fireworks sales were allowed in Missouri. Sales may continue through July 10.
"We ask residents to come down to the Salute to America event on July 4 to enjoy the fireworks display," JCFD spokesman Jason Turner said. "Those found to be shooting off fireworks in the city limits can be given a citation."
Fireworks businesses and the Cole County Sheriff's Department are also asking people to remember rules for shooting off fireworks outside city limits.
Aside from two times a year - July 4 and New Year's Eve - a county ordinance requires that discharge of fireworks in unincorporated areas happen 9 a.m.-11 p.m. There is no 11 p.m. enforcement July 4 and Dec. 31, when fireworks may be discharged until 1 a.m.
Kurt Schlueter has operated Jeff City Fireworks for more than 30 years just off U.S. 54. He said he didn't know if his business be able to sell fireworks this year during the COVID-19 pandemic, until Gov. Mike Parson allowed the state to fully reopen last week, lifting statewide public health restrictions.
"We got in a small inventory of items over the weekend and began selling, but by Wednesday we should be fully stocked," Schlueter said.
Schlueter believes the fireworks business will have a good season because many towns have canceled their community fireworks displays.
"There are still a lot of people who are hesitant to get in big crowds," Schlueter said. "From the folks we've talked to, a lot of them plan to stay home and shoot fireworks."
Schlueter said Jeff City Fireworks has posted signs asking people to maintain physical distance while shopping, but they are not requiring customers to wear masks in the fireworks tent.
"I think people will respect each other. Selling from a tent, in the open air, people feel a little more comfortable instead of inside a building," Schlueter said. "We've checked out with the fire marshal, and there was no in change how inspections were handled compared to past years."