KCK Fire Department talk fireworks safety after two children seriously injured
KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Many of this weekend's celebrations will begin at roadside fireworks stands.
Legal fireworks sales begin early Sunday morning for buyers in Kansas City, Kansas, and continue through the evening of July 4. That's why Wyandotte County safety officials are reminding people to be smart during celebrations.
Tariffs may lead to more expensive fireworks across the metro this year
On Friday morning, a special demonstration with KCK firefighters took the stage at the department's downtown headquarters, designed to remind the public carelessness with fireworks can be dangerous.
Fire department leaders say 2024's fireworks season included more than 100 serious injuries across the metro.
During Friday's demonstration, KCK Acting Fire Marshal Brian Hendon used an uncooked hotdog and a sparkler, exposing the meat to the flame. It showed how quickly skin can burn. Sparklers can burn as hot as 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
KCK Fire officials share these recommendations for fireworks safety:
Never drink alcohol while using fireworks
Keep a nearby water source to use in an emergency
Never shoot fireworks at or from a moving car
If a firework doesn't go off while burning, don't pick it up
Avoid homes and businesses
Don't attempt to tamper with prepackaged fireworks in an effort to make your own
'I hate to use the word bomb, but that's essentially what you're making. Now, you've exponentially made a much bigger device that you have no idea what's going to happen,' Hendon said.
Where to watch fireworks in the Kansas City-area this year
Last Sunday night, . A fire department spokesperson said they may have been using illegal fireworks. Hendon said they're now stable, and the case remains under investigation.
Last year, metro emergency rooms were busy treating burn and blast injuries to eyes and hands. The University of Kansas Health System treated 49 of those cases. St. Luke's Health System, University Health and Advent Health/Shawnee Mission combined to treat an additional 23 patients.
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'Following important safety advice when using fireworks can definitely prevent injuries,' Dr. Adam Algren, University Health Chair of Emergency Medicine, said. 'Unfortunately, we don't see many people practice recommended safety tips as often as we would like.'
Hendon wants to remind fireworks users that bottle rockets remain illegal in Wyandotte County. If you're caught using them, you could be fined for it.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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