Fire Chief Urges Safety for July 4th With Fireworks

CHARLESTON — Celebrating the Fourth of July with fireworks is a tradition as old as the nation itself, and one that West Virginians have embraced with enthusiasm. But that’s no excuse to forgo common sense and safety.

Now that consumer fireworks are legal here — and widely available in brick-and-mortar stores as well as seasonal tents — the West Virginia State Fire Marshal's Office is reminding residents of these tips from the National Council on Fireworks Safety:

– Alcohol and fireworks don’t mix. Save your alcohol for after the show.
– Respect local laws.
– Parents and guardians should closely supervise teenagers if they use fireworks.
– Parents should not allow young children to handle or use fireworks.
– Know your fireworks. Read warning labels and operating descriptions before lighting them.
– Have a designated photographer organize and film your family show.
– Fireworks should only be used outdoors.
– Always have water available if you are shooting fireworks.
– Wear safety glasses whenever using fireworks.
– Never place any part of your body directly above a firework when lighting the fuse.
– Move back to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
– Never relight a “failed” firework. Wait 20 minutes, then submerge it in a bucket of water.
– Soak used fireworks in water before placing them in an outdoor trash can.
– Never attempt to modify consumer fireworks. Use them only for the intended purpose.
– Avoid purchasing fireworks wrapped in kraft paper. This often indicates that the fireworks were manufactured for professional shows and may pose a danger to consumers.

Fireworks that are legally permitted for sale by retailers include:

– Handheld and ground-based sparkling devices, such as sparklers, gadgets, toy corks and model rockets
– Bottle rockets, missile-type rockets, helicopters and aerial tops
– Roman candles, multi-mine devices and aerial shells, reloadable aerial shell kits
– Firecrackers

All West Virginia retailers pay a fireworks safety fee for their licenses, the proceeds of which benefit volunteer firefighters and veterans.

Local municipalities in West Virginia may also have their own laws and restrictions regarding the use of consumer fireworks. For example, they may set times of day when fireworks may be set off. Please check first to see if your city or town has any of these restrictions before setting off or using fireworks.