WHEELING, W.Va. — As Independence Day approaches, the City of Wheeling is reminding residents that while some consumer fireworks are permitted, many popular aerial fireworks remain illegal within city limits.
Under Wheeling City Ordinance 1535.01, which has been in effect since 1981, fireworks that explode, create loud reports or launch into the air are prohibited.
Illegal fireworks in Wheeling include bottle rockets, Roman candles, sky lanterns and other aerial devices, even if they were legally purchased elsewhere in West Virginia.
Fireworks that are permitted include sparklers, fountains, smoke devices, snaps, party poppers and other consumer fireworks that do not propel into the air.
Although West Virginia expanded the types of fireworks that may be sold statewide in 2016, municipalities are allowed to adopt more restrictive local ordinances. Wheeling has continued to enforce its existing fireworks regulations.
City officials said enforcement efforts will focus on people using prohibited fireworks rather than those transporting or purchasing them. Anyone found violating the ordinance could face fines of up to $500, and illegal fireworks may be confiscated.
Residents planning to use legal fireworks are encouraged to keep a garden hose, bucket of water or another water source nearby in case of fire.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, burns to the hands and fingers account for nearly half of all fireworks-related injuries in the United States. The organization also reports that more than one-quarter of fireworks-related fires occur during the Fourth of July holiday period.
City officials encourage everyone to celebrate safely and responsibly while following Wheeling’s local fireworks regulations.
