The Fourth of July holiday should be remembered as an enjoyable time reflecting on the liberties we have, remembering those who have and are currently serving our country, and relishing in time with family and friends over good barbecue.

A tragic incident with fireworks can literally scar those memories.

The Columbia Police Department and Columbia Fire Department want to remind citizens that discharging and/or possessing fireworks with city limits, including all city parks, is prohibited by City Ordinance (Section 16-234). The Columbia Police Department will have additional officers on duty. Officers will be assigned specifically to firework-related issues and will take appropriate action when necessary (warning, citation or arrest). If citizens have a fireworks complaint, they are asked to call the Boone County Joint Communications non-emergency line by dialing 311. Citizens should only dial 911 in the case of an emergency.

According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in 2016 there were an estimated 11,100 fireworks-related injuries treated in hospitals nationwide. Sparklers and rockets accounted for approximately 1,300 of those estimated injuries.

Citizens are encouraged to leave the fireworks to the professionals this Fourth of July and attend the free City of Columbia Fire in the Sky event downtown. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. with activities and entertainment at Flat Branch Park and Lucky's Market. The fireworks display begins at 9:15 p.m. and will be launched from the parking lot south of Lucky's Market. Attendees will not be permitted to bring their own fireworks. For more information on Fire in the Sky, visit: CoMo.gov/parksandrec/special-events-2/4th-july-fire-sky.

The Columbia Police and Fire departments wish everyone a safe and pleasant Fourth of July! For more information on fireworks safety visit the CPSC website at: https://www.cpsc.gov/safety-education/safety-education-centers/fireworks.