Cape, Jackson preparing for fireworks

As the Fourth of July nears, officials hope for a season like others recently, when fireworks-related incidents were sparse.

"We've been very fortunate. We've had very few serious incidents the last few years, and no serious injuries," said Cape Girardeau Police Department spokesman Darin Hickey.

Officials reported no fireworks-related fires in 2011 and only a "handful of minor accidents."

Cape Girardeau will have extra patrols out during fireworks season, Hickey said.

Fireworks laws in Jackson and Cape Girardeau are almost identical.

Fireworks stands may operate, and residents may use fireworks, from June 27 to July 4. The ordinances ban bottle rockets and other aerial fireworks but otherwise allow anything that state law allows for sale to private individuals. Aerial fireworks utilize a straight and rigid stick made of wood, plastic or other material attached to a propellant tube or driver to stabilize or direct flight.

Cape Girardeau Fire Department Capt. Ivan LaGrand said the department responds to injuries to two or three children each year.

"We just prepare for the Fourth, maybe that night. We know we are going to get several calls," he said.

Jackson fire chief Jason Mouser said his department gears up for fireworks season.

"We stay on our toes. Fireworks contribute to natural-cover fires or house fires," he said.

Jackson's bottle rocket ban was put in place in 2004 following a house fire that severely damaged the home of a firefighter.

On July 6, 2009, the Jackson Board of Aldermen passed a complete ban on fireworks, but reversed its decision at a board meeting two weeks later.

In both cities, fireworks may be sold in the city from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 27 through July 4. People may only discharge fireworks from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 27 through July 3, and from 10 a.m. to midnight July 4.

Other ordinances prevent discharge of fireworks within 100 feet of a gas station or 600 feet of a church, school or hospital.

No one may discharge fireworks on property that is not their own, unless they've received specific consent to do so.

"It is unlawful for people under 17 to purchase or possess fireworks," Hickey said. "We can seize the fireworks that they have in their possession and they can be cited into the city court."

As of Thursday, Cape Girardeau had received applications for permits to allow fireworks to be sold at two sites, Schnucks, 19 S. Kingshighway, and Walmart, 3934 William St., said city customer service manager Trisha Holloway. Holloway said the city issues four or five permits for fireworks stands each year.

Applicants pay a $10 deposit. For every $1,000 above $10,000 in sales they make during the season, they pay another $1 to the city, Holloway said.

"We don't issue the license until the stands are set up, because the fire inspector has to inspect them," Holloway said. "I give out the license to the fire inspector. He gives the stand operator the license when he passes it."

LaGrand said he is scheduled to begin inspections of fireworks stands Wednesday. He said he checks, among other things, to see that the tents are made of fire retardant materials, that they include no-smoking signs and that they have proper egress.

"If things should go bad, people need to be able to get out of the tents," LaGrand said.

jgamm@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent address:

19 S. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, MO

3934 William St., Cape Girardeau, MO