Charleston officials are concerned about a law soon to take effect that will allow the sale and use of fireworks anywhere in the state, including within city limits.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — This summer, West Virginians will be able to legally buy consumer fireworks, such as bottle rockets and Roman candles.
But some Charleston officials are worried about not only the public safety risks higher grade fireworks pose, but also the challenge of enforcing potential laws to prohibit their use in the city.
Legislators passed House Bill 2852, which makes it legal to sell and buy such fireworks, without a single dissenting vote this year.
Consumer fireworks, defined as “small fireworks devices designed to produce visible effects by combustion,” are categorized by the Code of Federal Regulations as a “Division 1.3 explosive.”
Charleston Fire Department Capt. Mike Shank is among those concerned that the sale of those devices in city limits will make it nearly impossible to regulate where they’re used…
