FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
As our community prepares to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday, the Springfield Fire Department wants to share the following reminders for a safe celebration.
Fireworks are prohibited in the city limits of the City of Springfield.
- The Fire Code prohibits the possession, manufacture, storage, sales, handling and discharge of fireworks within city limits.
- Novelty items, described as snappers, party poppers, toy smoke devices or glowworms, and some sparklers are allowed but should be used with extreme care and under adult supervision.
- According to the Missouri Division of Fire Safety, there were 324 people who sought hospital care related to fireworks in 2022. Of those 324 visits, 292 people were treated in emergency rooms and 32 people were admitted to the hospital with serious injuries. Nearly 77% of all fireworks injuries occurred in the three-week period leading up to and following Independence Day.
Most injured body parts by fireworks
- 34% legs, trunk, or arms
- 31%: hand or finger
- 21%: head, face or ear
- 14% eyes.
“Sparklers burn at temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees and are the leading cause of injuries around Fourth of July,” says Fire Chief David Pennington. “Children should be educated on how to avoid injury from sparklers and well-supervised by an adult during their use.”
“A safe and fun way to celebrate Independence Day is to attend one of the many community displays in and around the city,” Chief Pennington adds. “These displays are presented by professionals who have obtained the required permit and safety inspection by the Bureau of Fire Prevention to ensure the safety of the public.”
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For more information, please contact Assistant Fire Chief Bryan Newberry at 417-874-2300.