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Fireworks facts

The use of Class C "Consumer" fireworks, including firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, M-80 salutes, cherry bombs and large reloadable shells (festival balls or shots) are illegal in Ohio and West Virginia.

Class C "Consumer" fireworks may be purchased from an Ohio licensed retailer, but they cannot be discharged in Ohio and must be transported to another state within 48 hours (72 hours if the buyer is not an Ohio resident).

Novelty fireworks, including, but not limited to, booby traps, cigarette loads, party poppers, snappers, "snakes" or glow worms, smoke devices and trick matches are legal for use in both Ohio and West Virginia.

Source: Ohio Bar Association and West Virginia Fire Marshal

Sales were brisk at Eagle Fireworks on Ohio 7 north of Marietta Tuesday afternoon.

"We're here all year-round, but this is Christmas for us," said employee Sandra Ashcraft.

Eagle sells both consumer-grade fireworks (firecrackers, bottle rockets, cherry bombs, etc.) and novelty fireworks (poppers, "snakes," sparklers and smoke devices).

While consumer-grade fireworks may be purchased in Ohio, it is illegal to set them off within the state. However, it is legal for Ohioans to ignite novelty fireworks items in the state, as it is in West Virginia.

Ashcraft said anyone purchasing consumer-grade fireworks at the store is required by state law to provide photo identification and sign a form that says they're taking the fireworks out of state.

Still, Dan Ritchey, chief of the Reno Volunteer Fire Department, said some consumer-grade devices are fired off in this area every year.

"We hear a lot of concerns about bottle rockets being fired and landing on someone's roof," he said. "People should use a little common sense when setting off fireworks. A single bottle rocket can travel at least 200 feet."

Ritchey also recommended having a fire extinguisher or bucket of water handy when using any type of fireworks.

Washington County Sheriff Larry Mincks said extra deputies will be on duty Saturday and likely will be responding to complaints about fireworks.

"We encourage people to be very careful when handling fireworks, and they should be extremely cautious when young or even older children are around," he said. "Light fireworks in a clear area, away from houses, dry leaves or grass.... And remember alcohol and fireworks don't mix."

Mincks said many accidents occur when people try to relight a firework that has not exploded or attempt to bundle several novelty fireworks in order to create a large explosion.

"It would be best if people just attended one of the official fireworks displays that are scheduled throughout the area," he said.