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WENTZVILLE, Mo. — Improper storage of fireworks debris caused two St. Charles County homes to go up in flames during the Fourth of July weekend, firefighters said.

Wentzville Firefighters had a busy weekend: four house fires, a couple of dumpster fires and grass fires all caused by fireworks.

"They all had one common dominator," Battalion Chief Michael Scott said. "The people shot off the fireworks, picked up debris, and either put it in a combustible container or trash can and put next to house to throw out the next day. The big thing with fireworks, they, not all of them always go off. A lot of people this year using the big shows, the big boxes. Many don't know that not all go off. So they are sitting there smoldering. Then they will sit and smolder for a while. Two to three hours later it bursts into flames. Next thing you know your house is on fire."

Smoke detectors and vigilant neighbors alerted families of danger and no one was hurt in any of the fires. Only a firefighter was treated for heat-related illness over the course of the holiday weekend. Scott said debris can remain hot and flammable for up to several days after initial use.

If you plan on igniting leftover fireworks in the coming days:

Wanda Jensen lives across the street from one of the homes that caught fire over the holiday weekend. She feels for the family and said the fire was a horrible accident.

"It's unfortunate, we are all safe with fireworks," Jensen said. "It's nobody's fault. It's an accident that's unfortunate."

She said despite the fire this year, Jensen is happy families and neighbors came together to celebrate America's independence. After a hard lesson this year, she expects the same celebration next year, with a little more caution. 

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