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ELKINS -- With nice weather in the forecast for the Fourth of July weekend, officials are reminding residents that consumer fireworks are illegal in Elkins City limits and that violators can be fined up to $500.
"Consumer fireworks, which include firecrackers, rockets, Roman candles, and that sort of thing, are illegal inside city limits," Elkins Police Department Chief Travis Bennett told The Inter-Mountain Friday. "Basically, if it's a handheld device like a sparkler, or if it's a ground-based device like fountains, snakes or smoke bombs, it's allowed. If it fires something into the air or explodes, it's against the law in Elkins."
Fireworks are also prohibited on National Forest System lands and the use of possession in those areas are subject to confiscation and fines up to $5,000 for an individual and $10,000 for an organization. It can also result in a sentence of up to six months in jail.
"A lot of the biggest things to be aware of is that some of these things that explode or that are airborne, can cause a lot of injuries," said Elkins Interim Fire Chief Steve Himes. "Plus the sparks that are generated from fireworks can easily set something on fire. So it's good to have a bucket of water around when you are letting any fireworks off."
Himes said that even the smallest version of a firework is still hazardous and that a recent report done by the National Fire Protection Association said that 25 percent of all fireworks injuries are caused by sparklers.
"Sparklers can burn at 2,000 degrees, so young children can definitely be injured from them," he added. "While they look harmless and safe, they still burn very, very hot. So if you have children that are handling them, you have to be very careful."
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that children under the age of 15 accounted for 36 percent of all firework injuries in 2019. There were an estimated 10,000 injuries caused by fireworks that same year and 12 deaths.
The office of the West Virginia State Fire Marshall offers the following tips when using fireworks:
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
• Always read and follow the directions on the label.
• Always have an adult present when handling fireworks.
• Never give fireworks to young children, even sparklers.
• Use fireworks outdoors in a safe, non-wooden area.
• Have a working garden hose or bucket of water handy.
• Keep everyone a safe distance away from fireworks.
• Light only one firework at a time.
• Never ignite a firework that doesn't light the first time or one that has finished its display.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
• Don't throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep pets indoors and away from fireworks.
• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
• Keep spectators at a safe distance.
• Always wear safety glasses when igniting fireworks.