Dry conditions and fireworks don’t mix

More than half of Missouri is in a drought alert. 

State Fire Marshal Tim Bean says July 4th can be one of the busiest days of the year for fires – and the dry conditions don’t help.

“We still have some areas in our state that have a high drought going on,” says Bean. “So that is factored into whether there’s more calls or not. So that’s elevated by fires but it’s elevated for first responder medical calls. You know, people getting hurt, people getting burnt, just accidents involving this type of thing.”

Bean says check your local ordinances to see when and which fireworks you are allowed to light off fireworks – and since the ground is so dry and can easily become a fire hazard, have a bucket of water nearby.