Oak Hill, WV (WOAY) – As we get closer to the Fourth of July, some will want to set off fireworks in addition to the fireworks shows in the area, but depending on where you are, there could be laws and ordinances you need to be aware of.
In the city of Princeton, for example, you need a permit issued by the city to set off fireworks. It is also illegal to set off fireworks in public parks, public streets, and sidewalks. You can apply for a permit at City Hall, but it could take up to a week for approval.
These violations could result in a fine.
Ben Woodard, the Chief of Police for the city of Princeton, says even with a permit, there are still things you need to do to stay safe while handling fireworks.
For Mercer County, however, its fireworks ordinance has a small problem.
The county has a fireworks ordinance on the books, but they can’t enforce it because of the way West Virginia State Code reads, defining municipalities and not counties. Enforcement of this doesn’t fall under the magistrate system.
County Commissioner Greg Puckett told Newswatch, he’s tried to work with legislators to get the language changed in the West Virginia Code.
