3:06pm: Hotline with Dave Weekley

Fireworks – What’s legal and what isn’t

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Despite the tragic events of the West Virginia floods, Morgantown citizens work to move on as many will celebrate the 4th of July weekend with loved ones. This includes family cookouts and in some cases fireworks.

During the 2016 legislative session, West Virginia lawmakers approved the use of what are referred to as “consumer” fireworks.

“The state law now allows what people referred to as “good fireworks,” so firecrackers, roman candles, bottle rockets all those things now in West Virginia are legal and you can purchase those and in some places you can set them off,” explained Morgantown Fire Marshal Captain Ken Tennant.

Consumer fireworks also include missile-type rockets, helicopter and aerial spinners, mutli-aerial mine and shell devices, aerial shell kits and reloadables.

Since 2006, West Virginians have been able to purchase hand-held and ground-based novelty items like hand-sparklers and fountains.

Individual municipalities may have different regulations.

Teens 16 and older can legally purchase novelty fireworks.

Consumer fireworks can only be purchased by adults 18 and older who have a valid identification.

Residents who intend to use the newly legalized fireworks must have the property owner’s permission, should not discharge and throw them from vehicles or buildings and shouldn’t aim them in the direction of structures or people.

People who are found setting off fireworks under the influence of drugs or alcohol could face criminal charges.

“Adults should be the only ones handling the fireworks. Never give the fireworks to young children. Even sparklers are very dangerous,” advised Tennant. “Always wear safety glasses when setting these things off. The number one injury relating to fireworks is eye injury.”

Other safety tips include:
-Don’t use fireworks near wooded areas.
-Light one at a time.
-Never shoot fireworks from metal or glass containers.

Tennant added, “If you do have a firework that doesn’t ignite or light, don’t pick it up. The best thing to do is have a water bucket or a fire hose standing by and hose it down.”

There were two injuries from fireworks last year in Morgantown where two men were sent to Ruby Memorial for non-life threatening injuries.

“We just want to urge common sense and safety especially around children that’s for sure. But, we also recommend to leave the fireworks to the professionals.”





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