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BPD Wants Citizens to Have Fun and Safe Fourth of July Celebrations

When buying fireworks for the Fourth of July, Bellevue’s Fire Marshal says the best rule of thumb is to buy them from stands in Nebraska. Many people travel to Missouri in the hopes of getting a lower price or a more diverse selection, but Missouri laws are different from Nebraska laws and the fireworks purchased outside of Nebraska could be illegal.

Fire Investigator K.C. Bang says state and local fire marshals inspect fireworks stands in Nebraska to be sure they’re selling only legal fireworks. Additionally, they regularly set up checkpoints to check cars coming from Missouri, and if they have fireworks, they confiscate them. He added, "We don’t just take the illegal ones, we take all of them. The person also receives a citation which carries a $100 fine."

Bang said the biggest problem with illegal fireworks in Nebraska is pop bottle rockets. They’re legal in Missouri but not legal in Nebraska because they’re known to cause fires. Sparklers, however, are legal. Bang cautions though that sparklers burn hotter than most other fireworks and he encourages parental discretion. When injuries occur, usually it’s because of lack of adult supervision or when alcohol is involved.

In Bellevue, fireworks can be purchased until 11 p.m. and lit until midnight through the 4th.

Photo: Nine year old Dawson Mantich, of Bellevue, gears up for the 4th