W.Va. State Fire Marshal: Play it Safe Around Fireworks
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Updated: 7:13 AM Jun 29, 2009
W.Va. State Fire Marshal: Play it Safe Around Fireworks
It's hard to have 4th of July without fireworks, but if you plan to put on your own display fire officials want you to play it safe.
Posted: 9:44 PM Jun 28, 2009
Reporter: Carrie Jones
Email Address: carrie.jones@wsaz.com
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ)-- Fireworks will fill the sky on 4th of July. Some of the displays will be big and the others just in backyards.

The West Virginia State Fire Marshal's Office wants to remind everyone of what's legal in the state and what's not.

"They are not allowed to leave the ground, they are not allowed to explode," said State Fire Marshal Sterling Lewis. It's the snakes, the sparklers and the fountain showers. It's what we call novelty fireworks."

Bottle rockets, firecrackers and mortars are illegal in West Virginia. Lewis realizes that it's easy to sneak to neighboring states and purchase those items legally.

"Please, if you do have the illegal fireworks be very, very careful with them," Lewis said.

Even legal fireworks can be dangerous. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 16% of all fireworks injuries are from sparklers.

The State Fire Marshal says sparklers still pose a danger when they are burnt out.

"Don't let them throw them down. We have a lot of injuries of children playing in the yard and they'll step on those and impale themselves in the foot and it's very painful and of course it's a trip to the Emergency Room."

To avoid being burned by sparklers, trying buying ones with a longer wooden handle.

After setting off any fireworks, you need to dowse them with water to make sure they can't set anything else on fire.

Parents should always keep a close watch on children around fireworks, especially those under 12.


Latest Comments

Posted by: D.L. on Jun 29, 2009 at 01:52 PM

@ some body who care Irony= Speaking of the stupidity of others and in one quasi-sentence getting the word "to" wrong twice. There is a difference between "to" and "too". Look it up before lambasting others. And have any of you seen first hand the horrendous injuries children have received over the years due to the negligence and ignorance of their parents concerning fireworks? Ever seen a sparkler welded to a youngster after it melted into the skin? It's not pretty and their screams are horrible. None of these fireworks would be a bad thing if people used common sense. But common sense isn't so common anymore, it should be called rare sense.
Posted by: boring times on Jun 29, 2009 at 08:11 AM

i agree with previous comments.you can't have no fun in this state doing anything. go outta state and spend your money elsewhere if you want the good stuff.
Posted by: B on Jun 29, 2009 at 07:05 AM

I agree with Cosmo and Somebody who cares!! how in the world are bottle rockets illeagal!! Seriously worry about more important things!
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