The Missouri Division of Fire Safety (DFS) is investigating a series of fires and explosions over the July 4th holiday that have left three people dead and multiple others seriously injured. State Fire Marshal Tim Bean called the incidents among the most severe in recent Independence Day memory.
According to DFS, five separate incidents across Missouri between July 3 and 4 involved suspected fireworks, resulting in deadly consequences and significant property damage:
- Joplin (July 3): A shed explosion killed a 47-year-old man and seriously injured a juvenile girl. Fireworks have not been ruled out as the cause.
- Buckner (July 4): A house fire claimed the lives of a 13-year-old girl and another adult, with at least one additional person hospitalized. The fire originated on a back deck where fireworks had been used.
- Hannibal (July 4): Fireworks ignited a blaze that damaged a four-unit structure after being set off in a backyard.
- Sibley (July 4): An explosion in a garage injured three people with serious burns. Investigators are examining whether a stockpile of consumer-grade fireworks contributed to the blast.
- Leadwood (July 4): An explosion during a large private fireworks display injured six people, including an elderly woman.
“These tragedies are a sobering reminder that consumer fireworks are not toys—they are explosives,” said Fire Marshal Bean. “Even though July 4th has passed, many Missourians still have fireworks they plan to use. We urge everyone to handle them with extreme caution.”
Bean emphasized the risks of improperly stored, mishandled, or homemade fireworks, and urged the public to follow essential safety precautions, including never lighting fireworks indoors, keeping water nearby, and never relighting malfunctioning fireworks.
DFS is continuing to investigate each incident in coordination with local fire departments. Officials also noted there may be additional fireworks-related incidents not yet reported to or handled by the Division.
