CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office has shut down two illegal fireworks operations in recent weeks, citing individuals and companies for violations related to unpermitted sales and unsafe storage practices.
On June 28, an assistant fire marshal responded to a tip about a roadside fireworks stand in Chapmanville, Logan County.
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The investigation led to the citation of 48-year-old Nick L. Harvey of Kingsport, Tennessee, who was found selling consumer-grade fireworks without the proper permits or safety measures in place.
Harvey received four citations, including for general unlawful acts, illegal transportation of fireworks, lack of novelty registration, and failure to register as a consumer fireworks vendor.
The display was shut down, and Harvey is expected to appear before a Logan County magistrate to face the charges.
A separate incident occurred on May 22 in Barboursville, Cabell County, where officials responded to a tip about a warehouse being used for illegal fireworks storage and sales.
Fire marshals found a U-Haul truck arriving with more fireworks and determined the facility was leased by a Kentucky-based company operating without permits.
The warehouse property management said they were unaware of the illegal activity.
The business owner cooperated with investigators and was cited for multiple fireworks violations, including illegal storage and failure to obtain necessary permits.
All fireworks were seized and forfeited to the Cabell County Prosecutor’s Office. They will be auctioned to a licensed wholesaler at a later date.
As of July 1, there are 215 permitted fireworks stands operating legally in West Virginia. The Fire Marshal’s Office employs 14 assistant marshals responsible for inspecting each vendor.
The agency’s Licensing and Registration Division has also approved 63 permitted fireworks displays across the state for Independence Day celebrations.
