Fireworks Tents Mushroom in Arnold as Independence Day Nears

The fireworks stands have been popping up in Arnold and Jefferson County.

Take a drive down Highway 30 toward House Springs or down Highway 141 toward Arnold, and the red and white striped tents are plentiful.

Dan Bish, the City of Arnold's Economic Development/Planner, said fireworks sales are available at the following Arnold locations.

• 3064 Arnold Crossroads; Fireworks City; behind restaurant and in the parking lot
• 3606 West Outer Rd.; Fireworks City; the lot between and the Commuter Lot off Vogel Rd.
• 3610 Richardson Square Rd.; Fireworks City; in front of and
• 464 Jeffco Blvd.; Fireworks City; empty lot along Jeffco Blvd north of Starling Airport Road
• 1139 Telegraph Rd.; Fireworks City; empty lot at the corner of Telegraph Rd. and Arnold Tenbrook Rd.
• 516 Jeffco Blvd.; Caliber Fireworks; parking lot between and on North Jeffco.
• 1623 Jeffco Blvd.; parking lot of

And while it's legal to sell and shoot fireworks in Jefferson County, both practices are against the law in St. Louis County.

Captain Jeff Bader, precinct commander of the , says his department receives only a few calls from residents about fireworks usage in their neighborhoods.

"We just don't get very many," Bader said. "People's tolerance for fireworks increases up to the 4th of July and decreases rapidly after the 4th of July. We respond to all calls for service from people when they call about fireworks."

Bader also said he has not personally witnessed any major injuries due to fireworks.

So, how dangerous are they?

"Well, if we don't get any rain they are going to be very dangerous," Bader said, indicating that fireworks have the potential of causing fires because of the dry conditions.

Regardless, the fireworks tents are busy these days with specials on bottle rockets, firecrackers and other implements of mass explosions.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety recommends the following common sense tips regarding fireworks use:

• Only use fireworks outdoors;
• Be sure to have a water supply nearby;
• Wear safety glasses;
• Read the instructions on the fireworks carefully and follow the directions;
• Avoid alcohol;
• Don’t try to relight a dud firework;
• Soak spent fireworks with water before placing them in the trash;
• Don’t use homemade fireworks or illegal explosives.

For more tips, visit the safety council’s website.