Community Corner

Rockets' Red Glare: Personal Fireworks Displays Allowed in City of St. Charles July 3-4 Only

The use of fireworks also is permitted in unincorporated St. Charles County.

If you live in the city of St. Charles, you can put on your own personal fireworks display, but only between the hours of 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. July 3 and July 4.

In unincorporated St. Charles, Franklin and Jefferson counties, the use and sale of fireworks also is permitted. 

In O'Fallon PR director Tom Drabelle said the city has received inquiries about fireworks tents on Highway K and Bryan Road. Drabelle said these tents are actually in unincorporated areas of St. Charles County, not in O'Fallon.

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Most cities in St. Charles County prohibit the sale and use of fireworks.

City Bans in St. Charles County

  • Wentzville
  • St. Peters
  • O'Fallon
  • Lake Saint Louis

State Regulations

If you do plan on using fireworks to celebrate the holiday, the state has several regulations regarding ignitions. In Missouri, it is illegal to:

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  • Set off fireworks within 600 feet of any church, hospital, mental health facility or school or within 100 feet of where fireworks are stored or sold;
  • Ignite fireworks within 300 feet of any gas station or where gas is permanently stored;
  • Throw fireworks from or into a motorized vehicle including watercraft or at or near any person.

Additionally, the National Council on Fireworks Safety recommends the following common sense tips on using fireworks:

  • 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 council’s website.

Other Areas

The sale, use and possession of fireworks in St. Louis County also is illegal.

“The ban also includes all 91 municipalities included within the county,” said Mac Scott, a county spokesperson. “Violation of the law could cost between $50 and $1,000. The fee is at the discretion of the judge.”


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