By MATT PIKE
St. Joseph Post
As people celebrate Independence Day, officials with the state want to make sure people celebrate the holiday safely.
State Fire Marshal Tim Bean says to be aware and remember the safety of your neighbors and yourself as you shoot off fireworks
"Elevation in temperatures and the drought conditions across our state really heightens the awareness of being wise when we go to shoot our fireworks," Bean tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post.
Bean says to be sure to follow safety rules this holiday such as making sure you have water nearby and to keep children away from the fireworks.
While the Fourth of July is tomorrow people might be buying those last-minute fireworks before nightfall on Tuesday.
Bean says to make sure you are buying fireworks from certified fireworks stands
"We permit those, and the stand should have a displayed certificate from us showing that they are a qualified individual to be selling them," Bean says. "So, make sure and purchase your fireworks from the certified folks and if you find somebody that's not, please report that to us because we'd like to investigate that."
Bean says that you should also make sure to check with local authorities about the rules of shooting off fireworks where you live.
Fireworks are already being shot off as the Independence Day Holiday is here and you should be sure to practice safety with those fireworks.
Bean says around this time statewide and nationally there is an influx in the number of house and grass fire calls
"Anytime you have an explosive or a fire involved there is some elevations," Bean explains. "Sometimes like our weather conditions that we find ourselves in across our state elevates some of that due to the dry nature you know."
Bean says to be sure to properly shoot off fireworks and watch for dry areas to avoid starting any fires.