Fire marshals to take illegal fireworks

If you plan to set off illegal fireworks over the Fourth of July weekend, don’t be surprised if an uninvited guest shows up: a state or county fire marshal.

Fire officials will be handling residents’ complaints regarding illegal fireworks being set off on Saturday, said Mike Dmuchowski, spokesman for the Division of Fire and Rescue Services.

Only gold label sparklers, certain novelty items and ground-based sparkling devices are legal in the county, he said. Legal fireworks may be purchased within the county.

All illegal fireworks will be taken and residents may face civil penalties of $500 for each firework and possible criminal penalties, Dmuchowski said.

The division asks residents that if they want to see fireworks displays to go to several professional shows in the county including Baker Park’s annual celebration.

By Gina Gallucci-White
News-Post Staff