SUMMERS COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Raleigh County man is facing a criminal charge after an investigation into the alleged illegal sale of consumer fireworks in Summers County.
According to the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office, the agency received a complaint on Friday, July 3, regarding the possible illegal sale and use of consumer fireworks in the Pence Springs area.
Assistant State Fire Marshal B. Palmer investigated the complaint and determined that Samuel Morton, of Raleigh County, was allegedly selling a variety of consumer-grade fireworks along Route 12 in Summers County without the required authorization.
Under West Virginia law, anyone selling consumer fireworks must possess a valid Consumer Fireworks Retail Certificate. State officials said the certification requirements are intended to help protect the public as well as those involved in the retail sale of fireworks.
During the investigation, the Office of the State Fire Marshal seized the consumer fireworks that were allegedly being sold in violation of West Virginia Code § 29-3E. Morton was charged with selling consumer fireworks without a valid Consumer Fireworks Retail Certificate.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office said it remains committed to enforcing West Virginia’s fireworks laws and ensuring consumer fireworks are sold in accordance with state regulations.
Officials also encourage the public to purchase consumer fireworks only from certified retail locations and to report suspected illegal fireworks sales or use to the Office of the State Fire Marshal or local law enforcement.
