June 29th, 2022
The booms, bangs, pops, and snaps of exploding fireworks are common sounds during summer nights particularly as we draw closer to the 4th of July holiday. While lighting and viewing fireworks can be fun and enjoyable, the specific type of firework you may be setting off might be illegal in your area depending on the local law. In West Virginia, all consumer fireworks are legal for purchase and use by individuals older than 18 years old. Consumer fireworks include: firecrackers, sparkling devices, bottle rockets, aerial spinners, roman candles, shell devices and kits, and missile type rockets. While these types of fireworks are legal at the state level, you may not be permitted to use them under your local laws. Many municipalities have their own laws and ordinances pertaining to the use of fireworks and have enacted these laws to protect against fire risks associated with fireworks.
The City of Wheeling for example only allows select fireworks to be used within city limits. Any firework that is propelled into the air including bottle rockets, roman candles, and sky lanterns, are prohibited within city limits under its fireworks ordinance. Residents of Wheeling are permitted to use sparklers, fountains, snaps, and other non-propellant noisemakers within city limits. A violation of the ordinance can result in a fine of Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) per occurrence plus court costs, if applicable. The City of Wheeling is not the only municipality that has its own firework laws which is why it is important to review your local firework laws before deciding to ignite any fireworks.
