Want sparks on the Fourth? Find out which fireworks are legal in Lee’s Summit, Cass

With many, if not most, public fireworks displays canceled due to COVID-19 concerns, those looking for a spark on the Fourth may need to start shopping. Each city has its own rules governing what fireworks you can use and when, however, so it’s a good idea to check before you rush out to a fireworks tent.

One way to make sure the fireworks you’re buying are legal to be set off where you live is to buy them from a retailer within your city’s limits. In Lee’s Summit, banned fireworks include Roman candles, sky lanterns, bottle rockets and a few others. Retailers within city limits can’t sell those items.

After the fire department’s initial safety inspection before their opening in late June, “we go back every day after a tent is open to ensure that the stock they bring in every day is still legal to be sold within the city of Lee’s Summit,” said Jim Eden, assistant fire chief. “We understand you can purchase things (elsewhere) that aren’t legal. Be aware of where you’re going to discharge before you purchase any consumer fireworks.”

Anyone who plans to set off fireworks in Lee’s Summit must obtain a free permit, available at any licensed vendor in the city. All the rules for fireworks are printed on the permit.

Cass County has no overarching regulations, but each city has its own rules. In Harrisonville, the only firework prohibited is the bottle rocket. Belton’s rules forbid bottle rockets, sky rockets and Roman candles. If you’re in Raymore, don’t bother purchasing bottle rockets, Roman candles or Chinese lanterns.

Most cities also have specific days and times when they allow fireworks to be used. In Lee’s Summit, it’s July 3 and 5 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and July 4 from 10 a.m. to midnight. If you’re in Harrisonville, it’s July 1 and 2, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and July 3 and 4, from 7 a.m. to midnight. Belton residents can set off fireworks from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 28 to July 3 and 10 a.m. to midnight July 4.

Generally, cities require you to keep your fireworks on property you own or rent — not in public parks or on streets.

Unincorporated parts of Cass County have no rules about what fireworks you can use and when.

However, anyone shooting off fireworks throughout the metro area should still take safety precautions.

“Although fireworks are sold to consumers, they are still extremely dangerous. Make sure you use them properly. Make sure you have shoes on and a bucket of water,” Eden said. “The thing with sparklers, you have something burning well over 1,000 degrees. Think about that when you hand it to your kid. Legal does not equate to safe.”

Other safety tips to keep in mind: Don’t use handheld fireworks — pick the kind you put on the ground to light to avoid serious hand injuries. Keep your pets inside, because they might be afraid of fireworks or try to chase them. Having a fire extinguisher nearby is a good idea and required in some places.

Light them on a non-combustible surface. According to Rodney Bridges, manager of Pyro City in Harrisonville, you want to use a hard, level surface like a driveway. Do it as far from buildings as you can to avoid fires.

“Don’t purchase illegal fireworks or try to make them on your own. There’s people that try every year,” Eden said.

One of the bigger problems cities have with fireworks is the mess they leave behind. Adults should carefully pick up the remains of fireworks and story them in a metal container outside.

“It may look like it’s out, but a lot of times, fireworks are still smoldering,” Eden said, and that can cause structural fires.

Although it might seem like common sense, many city ordinances regarding fireworks prohibit throwing fireworks from moving vehicles.

For more safety tips for your home fireworks display, visit fireworks.com/education-and-safety/safety-tips