Fireworks Related Fires in Lee's Summit
LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo. — Overnight, the Lee's Summit Fire Department responded to several fireworks-related fires. Crews were dispatched to a reported structure fire at 4:27 a.m. on July 5, 2025, in the 1100 block of SW Summit Hill Drive. A resident called 911 after being awakened by smoke alarms and discovering a fire burning on the outside of the house.
Upon arrival, firefighters found flames near the garage door that had spread up the front of the two-story, single-family residence and were beginning to enter the attic through the roof's eave. The occupants were safe outside.
Firefighters quickly knocked down the flames on the house's exterior while other crews entered to extinguish the fire spreading into the attic and garage. The incident was reported under control by 4:52 a.m.
Damage was primarily confined to the exterior of the house, including concealed areas of the exterior walls, attic, and eaves, along with minor smoke and water damage to the interior. The fire's cause was determined to be discarded fireworks in the trash next to the house.
Earlier that day, at 9:00 p.m. on July 4, 2025, crews responded to a reported structure fire in the 700 block of NE Independence Ave., where smoke was reported in the basement.
Nothing was visible from the exterior upon arrival. Crews discovered and extinguished several charred floor joists just inside the basement window of the single-story, single-family residence. The incident was brought under control by 9:19 p.m. An investigation revealed that fireworks discarded in the basement window well ignited dried vegetation, causing the fire to spread into the basement through the window.
In Lee's Summit, the discharge of approved fireworks is legal with a permit until July 5 at 11 p.m. For more information about the use of fireworks in Lee’s Summit, visit the city’s website at cityofls.net. In addition to responding to structure fires, crews have dealt with numerous debris fires caused by improperly discarded fireworks. Make it a safe holiday, after using fireworks, clean up the mess and soak the debris with water. Keep it in a separate container outside and away from structures.