July 1, 2021

As supply chains recover from the pandemic, a new item has experienced low availability, and not with great timing.

A national fireworks shortage has caused fireworks stores and suppliers across the nation to raise prices and put out less product just before July 4.

In some states, prices have experienced an almost 100 percent increase. It has caused issues for many, but Fire Bros. Fireworks owner Andy Jorgensen said he hasn’t felt the effects quite as strongly as other states where stores are facing sold-out inventory and exponentially raised prices.   

“We actually got our orders in early, and we worked really diligently. We had our ducks in a row, and now we have the product that we wanted on the shelves,” Jorgensen said.

Jorgensen said that because of the anticipation for high prices and low availability, Fire Bros. experienced a busier opening day than in years past, and many came in June 27 hoping to get their pick of the inventory. 

“The first day we were open was a really busy one because people wanted to come in early before people ran it all out,” he said. “But we’ve got plenty.”

Many other Sioux Falls-area fireworks stores have experienced an issue with inventory and pricing because of the shortage, although it’s not near national levels, Pyro City owner Kevin Lorenzen said.

“We have unfortunately had less inventory than we’d like,” Lorenzen said. 

With drought conditions in Sioux Falls for most of the summer so far, some fire officials have warned against buying fireworks for personal use and instead are encouraging people to attend public fireworks shows like the one at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds. Lorenzen said this warning hasn’t hindered customers from flocking to fireworks stores for products.

“We have not noticed much (hesitancy to buy fireworks) and maybe that’s because they’re worried about the shortage,” Lorenzen said. “I would say that people are maybe exercising some more caution about what they’re buying and where they’re using them.” 

In general, though, the fireworks shortage has not had a major hindrance on local Fourth of July celebrations. Lorenzen said that despite the issues there have been nationally, his customers are still excited for the fireworks season.

“People are really excited to celebrate the Fourth, especially after last year,” Lorenzen said.

South Dakotans can buy fireworks through Monday.