ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. (KMOX) -  If you live in St. Louis County, be forewarned that shooting off fireworks this week — any fireworks right down to snakes and sparklers — could cost you big-time.

“This year there’s a special concern because of the dryness of the grass and the shrubs,” St. Louis County police spokesman Rick Eckhard tells KMOX News.

He says fireworks violations will be the primary focus of patrol officers because of “preventable injuries” that result every year from the illegal use of explosive devices on and around the 4th of July.

Summonses will be issued to anyone in possession of, using, or selling fireworks within the borders of St. Louis County.

“I’m not sure if a lot of people realize but in St. Louis County you cannot possess or set off fireworks at all,” he points out. “The sales of fireworks for the most part is out of the jurisdiction of the county.”

The term “fireworks” in the county ordinance covers all combustible or explosive devices, including sparklers and “magic snakes”.

Fines for violations range from $50 to $1,000, and Eckhard says officers responding to the sights and sounds of fireworks anytime right through next weekend will seize remaining unexploded devices and issue a summons to violators.

Patrol officers will also be alert for curfew ordinance and liquor law violations which often contribute to accidents.

The Highway Safety Unit will be patrolling the interstate highways within St. Louis County, with an emphasis on pulling over drunk drivers.