HUNTINGTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Retail sales of consumer fireworks have increased substantially in the weeks leading up to Independence Day, and city officials have taken it upon themselves to make clear the expectations of those hoping for a bombastic celebration this year.
During Monday’s meeting of the Huntington City Council, City of Huntington Mayor Stephen Williams took to the podium to speak on the use of fireworks in upcoming holiday celebrations.
“As the Fourth of July approaches, we’d like to remind residents that setting off consumer fireworks is illegal inside the city limits,” Williams said, wasting no time getting to the crux of the matter. “A state law that took effect in 2016 allows for the retail sale of consumer fireworks such as firecrackers, bottle rockets, mortar shells, and roman candles. However, the state law does not prohibit the authority of cities to prohibit or regulate the use of consumer fireworks as outlined in their local ordinances.”
Williams points out that city authority will be vigilant in seeking out fireworks users going against city guidelines, stating,
“Setting off consumer fireworks is, and has always, been a violation of Huntington city code, and that is subject to fines up to $500 and the confiscation of fireworks. The Huntington Police Department will monitor illegal fireworks displays over the Fourth of July holiday and issue citations to anyone caught discharging fireworks.”
Williams’ remarks seem to echo those of another Mayor Williams – of Rainelle – who also took to a recent council meeting to expound upon area ordinances as they pertain to consumer fireworks – more on that here.
More information on the City of Huntington can be found here, while additional LOOTPRESS coverage of Monday’s meetings of Huntington city officials can be found here.