CAMP VIRGIL TATE, W.Va. — Fire fighting groups across West Virginia are stressing increased safety with consumer fireworks as the 4th of July holiday approaches.
This will be the first year high-powered fireworks like roman candles, fire crackers and aerial explosives will be legal for consumer purchase in the state. Kanawha County authorities put on a demonstration Friday at Camp Virgil Tate about the safe use of the pyrotechnics.
“One of our concerns is now that they’re legal in West Virginia they may be improperly used and some child could lose a finger,” said Kanawha County Deputy Emergency Manager C.W. Sigman.
Rule number one is to make sure a grown up is overseeing the activity, Sigman said.
“Older children aren’t as bad, but younger children hold sparklers too close to their face,” Sigman said. “Don’t hold fireworks in your hand, light them and throw them. If you’re going to use them, lay them down, light them and walk away. Again, the key word is ‘adult supervision.'”
Sigman also noted an incident in neighboring Ohio a few years back in which fireworks came down on the roof of a home and set it on fire. Two elderly residents perished in the fire.
“You need to have a safe area with a big field and fire extinguishers,” he said. “Remember, if you’re letting them off, you’re the responsible party. If something happens it can come back on you.”
Although the sales of the higher-powered fireworks are now legal, Sigman stressed it’s still a much safer option to go to a public fireworks display.
“We suggestion you let the professionals handle it,” he said. “Go to the fireworks show around the 4th of July, I’m sure there will be a lot of them. It will be a whole lot safer.”