St. Charles Fireworks Displays Limited to July 3, 4

Update: Article updated to include information about fireworks in unincorporated St. Charles County.

If you live in the city of , 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.

Violating those rules can get you a $500 fine or three months in jail. 

Fireworks go on sale for the first time in the city and in unincorporated St. Charles County June 25 and sales wrap up July 5 in St. Charles City and July 6 in St. Charles County.

Tents can be open from 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., except on July 3, 4, and 5th in the city. 

There are 13 tents in the city this year. People under age 18 are not allowed to purchase, possess, set off, use, burn or explode fireworks without adult supervision in St. Charles. 

Unincorporated St. Charles County Fireworks Rules

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

Most cities in St. Charles County prohibit the sale and use of fireworks, including Wentzville, St. Peters, O'Fallon and Lake Saint Louis. Most fireworks stands near those cities are actually located in the unincorporated portions of St. Charles County. 

Fireworks can only be set off between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. July 2-5 in unincorporated St. Charles County by people who are over 15 or by younger than 15 who are supervised by an adult. No pinwheels, fire balloons, roman candles, or toy pistols can be set off. Violation of the ordinance can lead to a fine of up to $500. 

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:

• 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.