Area cities to put new fireworks rules to test

Shooting off fireworks is as American as the Fourth of July. Patriotic Southeast Missourians will be able to enjoy their traditional fireworks this year with a few changes in regulations.

In Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Scott City, the length of time consumers can buy fireworks has been shortened by one week, and some types of fireworks no longer will be allowed.

In Cape Girardeau, vendors may sell fireworks from 10 a.m. through 10 p.m. June 27 through July 3, said fire marshal Mike Morgan. On July 4, fireworks can be set off until midnight. Also this year, any type of rocket guided by a wooden or plastic stick will not be sold in the city limits, Morgan said.

"We will be monitoring that closely," Morgan said. "If we find any, they will be confiscated by the police department."

This is the first year the rockets are forbidden in the city limits. The Cape Girardeau City Council banned them earlier this year, as did the Jackson Board of Aldermen after a bottle rocket started a fire that destroyed a house last July 4. The rocket landed on some mulch near a house belonging to Jackson firefighter John Trowbridge. The family was away at the time.

"If it has a stick on it, you're not allowed to use it," said assistant Jackson fire chief Les Crump. "Once it leaves the ground, no one has any control over what direction it goes."

In Jackson, fireworks can be sold from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 27 through July 4 but can be used only from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 3. and from 10 a.m. until midnight on July 4.

This year in Jackson, Crump said, vendors are asked not to sell to anyone under 17. In other communities, children as young as 14 can buy fireworks if accompanied by an adult. Crump said it's easier to identify anyone under 17 through a driver's license than it is to try to determine who is at least 14. It will be up to the vendors to verify the age.

In Scott City, vendors may sell fireworks between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. June 25 through July 4, but fireworks can be discharged only between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. June 25 through July 3. On July 4, fireworks may be discharged between 8 a.m. and midnight, according to city collector Alene Warden. Rocket devices are also prohibited in Scott City.

Anyone who wants to know which fireworks are allowed can pick up a list of approved fireworks at city hall, Warden said.

In unincorporated areas of Cape Girardeau County, the only regulation that applies to fireworks is the state statute that says they may not be discharged from moving vehicles, near buildings, or at other people, said Sgt. David Craig of the sheriff's department. There are no sales regulations in the county, Craig said, because most fireworks are sold in the cities.

"The only thing we have a problem with is people calling and complaining about shooting after hours," he said.

During the week, deputies usually allow use of fireworks until 10 p.m. On weekends and the Fourth of July, the limit is midnight, Craig said.

While some communities, particularly in Illinois, have banned the sale and use of fireworks, they are allowed in most Missouri communities.

lredeffer@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 160