Fire Marshal Discourages Illegal Fireworks RICHMOND (WEKU) - Many cities have fireworks shows on or around the 4th of July, but some people prefer to do things themselves. However, shooting off your own fireworks has its hazards. Last year 75 Kentuckians were injured in accidents. Those hazards are not only physical. According to State Fire Marshal William Swope Junior they may be a violation of state law.

"Class C fireworks are fireworks that the state of Kentucky recognizes as legal fireworks," Junior said. "Class C fireworks include sparklers, cone fountains, ground spinners, and noisemakers. A simple analogy is, if it flies or explodes, in all likelihood it is illegal in the state of Kentucky."

As far as the dos and don'ts of fireworks are concerned, Swope says to buy from a reliable seller, read the directions and keep water handy. He says never re-light a firework that has not gone off, never give fireworks including sparklers to small children, and do not use fireworks close to dry vegetation, structure or any other material that could ignite.

© Copyright 2009, WEKU