By Trish Svoboda/Image courtesy Canva
Two major changes have taken effect in Kansas regarding fireworks sales. First, the seasonal fireworks window has doubled in length—now running annually from June 20 through July 7. This means temporary stands, often considered the cornerstone of sales, can now operate twice as long as before. Second, the state has also expanded allowances for permanent fireworks sales locations.
With this extended season, state officials note the lack of consistent data on fireworks-related injuries and fires. Kansas State Fire Marshal Mark Engholm said the state relies heavily on voluntary reporting from local fire departments and hospitals, which leads to major gaps. Only about half of fire departments submit fire reports, and last year just a handful of hospitals reported 149 fireworks-related injuries. Engholm estimates that figure represents only about 10% of actual injuries statewide.
“We had 149 fireworks related injuries reported to our office last year, but we believe this is maybe 10% of the total injuries in the state and those were just actually from a from a few hospitals,” said Engholm. “We do a lot of outreach trying to get out to the medical field to get that data each year. Unfortunately, it just doesn’t always happen.”
To track the impact of the law, Kansas plans to fully adopt the new National Emergency Reporting Information System, which goes into effect on January 1, 2026. Meanwhile, the Fire Marshal’s Office continues to urge hospitals and fire departments to report data and is working with healthcare groups to boost participation.
In addition to the extended sales window, year-round retail is now allowed. However, Engholm said most vendors won’t opt in due to low demand. “The Kansas Fireworks Association doesn’t expect many to make that leap,” he said. “When you actually look at the requirements of having a year-round fireworks sale business, and you look at the actual income and demand for it, there aren’t many places in the state that can actually make that work.”
As the season ramps up, Engholm ’s office will conduct safety inspections at stands to ensure compliance and stop illegal sales. They also work year-round to find and shut down individuals making homemade explosives, which have caused serious injuries and deaths in Kansas. The Fire Marshal’s Office, along with law enforcement and industry groups, provides safety information online and through social media.
“Even legal consumer fireworks can be dangerous if misused,” he said. “Education and responsible use are the most effective tools we have.”
