COLONIA HEIGHTS, Va. (WTVR) – Be careful if you are thinking of setting off some fireworks to celebrate Independence Day.
That's because many fireworks are illegal in Virginia. In fact, in some counties and in one city, you cannot use fireworks at all.
"What is illegal here in the state, are anything that explodes, rises in the air or shoots a projectile, so fire crackers, bottle rockets, roman candles, are illegal here in the state," said Colonial Heights Deputy Fire Marshal Joe Boisseau.
However, legal fireworks in Virginia are big business this time of year. But that does not mean the items for sale at fireworks stands are legal in every jurisdiction.
"They may be for sale here in Colonial Heights, but it might mean they're not permissible or allowed in the locality you're living in," said Boisseau .
Big Bang Fireworks' Joseph Redwine said the three localities that do not allow fireworks are the City of Richmond along with Henrico and Chesterfield counties. Those areas forbid any types of fireworks, even sparklers.
Redwine said he feels obligated to tell customers that live in those places that forbid fireworks.
If you buy fireworks from Redwine, or another stand in Virginia, make sure to grab a safety tips sheet. Additionally, you can often find "Punk Sticks," which are used to ignite fireworks from a safe distance.
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