KCFD reminds residents to leave fireworks to a pro

In a typical year on Independence Day, there are more fires reported in the U.S. than on any other day of the year, and fireworks account for two-fifths of those fires.

Since all fireworks are illegal within the city limits of Kansas City, Missouri, the safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals. Kansas City offers a variety of opportunities throughout the area to enjoy fireworks displays in a fun and safe atmosphere, such as the KC Riverfest in Richard L. Berkley Riverfront Park. So please, leave the fireworks up to the professionals.

The following statistics are from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Fire Protection Agency.

Nationwide in 2011, fireworks caused:

• More than 17,800 fires
• 9,600 injuries that were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms
• An estimated $32 million dollars in direct property damage

The risk of fireworks injury is highest for young people ages 15-24, followed by children younger than 10.

The men and women of the Kansas City, Missouri, Fire Department want you to have a safe and happy Independence Day.

News from KCMO: Mark the Calendar: Trash Amnesty Week, City Offices Closed

City of Kansas City, Mo., offices , which include the 311 Call Center, will be closed on July 3, 2015 in observance of the Independence Day holiday on July 4, 2015. Trash and recycling services will not be delayed during the City-observed holiday.

All residents are eligible for trash amnesty the week of July 6-10. City-wide trash amnesty allows residents to place up to 15 bags of trash for collection. This trash will be collected during regularly scheduled trash days. No household hazardous waste, bulky items or leaf and brush will be collected as part of trash amnesty.

Bulky Item pickups have been suspended for the month of July so that crews can focus on City-wide storm debris removal. Residents that have a previously scheduled July pickup date must call the 311 Call Center to reschedule. Due to large call volumes, residents are encouraged to reschedule bulky pick-ups online, calls to reschedule should be made near the end of July.

For more information about solid waste collection services, visit http://www.kcmo.gov/publicworks/trash or call the 3-1-1 Call Center at 311 or 816-513-1313.

Media inquiries about trash and recycling should be directed to Sean Demory, public information officer for the Public Works Department, at 816-513-0059.