Fireworks stands compete for consumer dollars

Several fireworks stands across Bourbon County are competing for consumer dollars this week as the Fourth of July holiday approaches.

Eight stands are currently set up in various locations across the county to sell many types of fireworks in preparation for Independence Day. Area residents who plan to scour the county the next few days in search of bargains on fireworks, or those who simply plan to visit the stand closest to them will have plenty of options available.

According to information provided by the office of Bourbon County Clerk Joanne Long, Hale's Fireworks, based in Buffalo, Mo., has a stand located just south of Peerless Products on the east side of U.S. Highway 69. There are two Jake's Fireworks locations in Fort Scott; one near the corner of Wall and Goodlander and one located in the parking lot of Woods Supermarket, 2322 S. Main St.

A TJS Fireworks stand, operated by Brian Hazzard of Kansas City, Mo., is located at 1905 E. Wall St. Bronson residents John and Michelle Groff are operating a stand in Bronson. TNT Fireworks, based in Topeka, has a stand currently set up in the parking lot of the Wal-Mart Supercenter, 2500 S. Main St.

Other Bourbon County stands include one operated at 840 N. Main St., in Mapleton by local resident Cathy Ramirez, and a Ka-Boomers stand operated by Debbie Talbot in the parking lot of a building that previously housed the Fort Scott Fun Center, 2003 S. Main St.

According to Bourbon County ordinances concerning fireworks, anyone who wishes to sell or display fireworks in the county must first apply for a fireworks permit that must be approved by the Bourbon County Commission and issued by the Bourbon County Clerk. The applicant is also required to display the permit at his or her place of business.

Applicants for fireworks permits must also describe the location of his or her proposed business, and pay a $75 fee.

City of Fort Scott ordinances state that stands which operate in the city limits must have a hose or fire extinguisher nearby. The ordinance also states that no fireworks may be discharged within 300 feet of the stand, no smoking will be allowed in the structure, and the stand cannot be located closer than 200 feet to another structure involving human use.

Anyone who wishes to sell or display Class C fireworks within the city limits must obtain a temporary license from the City Clerk for each location the applicant wishes to display and sell the fireworks. The application must be completed at least 15 days prior to opening the stand, and the license fee is $100 for each stand location, the ordinance states.

Applicants must also follow other guidelines concerning the size and location of each fireworks stand. Each stand must also be inspected by professionals and operate with a fire extinguisher close by.

It is also illegal to discharge any fireworks within 300 feet of a location where fireworks are stored or sold, according to city ordinances.

Operators of fireworks stands within the city limits must pay the $100 license fee as well as the $75 county permit fee. Operating a stand outside the city limits, but within county jurisdiction, only requires the operator to pay the county fee, according to the Bourbon County Clerk's office.