Rules for fireworks remain in place across much of the metro for July 4th celebrations, as well as a new requirement in Wyandotte County for anyone purchasing large amounts of the product.
New to 2017, anyone buying 250 pounds or more of fireworks in Wyandotte County will be required to fill out paperwork. The document requires customers to record information like their name, address, driver's license number and a description of the products purchased.
The KCK Fire Department told 41 Action News on Friday that the new rule was meant to cut down on people stockpiling cheap fireworks after July 4th inside their homes and presenting a danger to the public in times of a fire.
Pat Riot's Fireworks stand opened for its 15th year earlier this week and recorded a record amount of sales on the opening day.
On Friday, manager Christian Jones said the new 250 pound rule could help keep things safer around neighborhoods.
"If you buy that much fireworks, and something happens, the county wants to be able to know who bought massive quantities of fireworks, where do they live," he explained.
With random mass violence becoming more common in recent times, Jones said the new rule could also help keep track of suspicious customers.
"There is no reason to be overly skeptical," he explained. "[Random violence] definitely crosses your mind. You just hope that that the fireworks will be used for the right purpose."
In other parts of the metro, many other rules remain in place for buying, selling, and using fireworks.
Using fireworks remains illegal in areas like Johnson County and inside KCMO city limits.
Nicolle Bliss stopped by Pat Riot's on Friday and bought sparklers for her children, knowing the strict rules of her area.
"Due to where we live in Johnson County, we can't shoot off a bunch of fireworks, so we can do the small ones," she said. "I just assume that sparklers are okay because they don't fly up in the air and they don't move."
Other customers, like Allison Moore, said keeping track of all the local rules can be a challenge.
"As far as the dates and what you can and cannot set off at your own house, I'm not very educated about it," she explained. "Kids are around, and safety should always be the number one priority."
As a way to stay safe this holiday season, Christian Jones offered simple advice on Friday.
"It's kind of dangerous. You're playing with fireworks," he said. "Overall, you can stay safe if you just pay attention."
Check out our definitive list of fireworks legality in the metro here.
Tom Dempsey is a reporter for 41 Action News.
