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Wednesday, July 01, 2009 4:41 PM Most fireworks aren't legal in Wilson By Rochelle Moore | Times Staff Writer The Fourth of July just wouldn't be the same without loud and colorful explosives to celebrate our freedom. But that freedom comes with a price. In North Carolina, people interested in blowing off firecrackers, M-80s or lady fingers will have to go elsewhere since the explosives are illegal statewide. Aerial fireworks, Roman candles and rockets are also outlawed in North Carolina. In fact, the state fire marshal recommends that the public go and see a professional firework display instead of buying fireworks at roadside stands. Wilson's only location to buy legal fireworks is Wal-Mart. "Even the legal ones cause the most injuries. That's why we encourage them to go to a professional show," said Johanna Royo, assistant director of public information for the Office of the State Fire Marshal. In 2008, 29 fires were started by fireworks, and studies show that 40 percent of all injuries nationwide from fireworks are suffered by children. Jeff Winstead, fire marshal for the city of Wilson, said that some area residents still shoot off illegal fireworks but that no injuries or problems have been noticed in the area for some time. "Anything that's explosive is not allowed," Winstead said. "We have a lot of people in town who go to South Carolina and buy fireworks. They're going to do it, but the best thing is to not do it." Allowable fireworks in North Carolina include sparklers, fountains, smoke bombs, snakes and glow worms, trick noisemakers, party poppers and toy pistol caps. Fireworks sold at the outdoor tent at Wal-Mart are legal and monitored by the city fire marshal. The sale of fireworks, unless it is inside a store, requires a city-issued permit, Winstead said. "I'll go out and inspect every one of them," he said. The professional fireworks display planned Saturday after the Wilson Tobs game at Fleming Stadium is also permitted by the city, since the stadium is within the city limits, Winstead said. The fire marshal will work the site Saturday evening making sure the weather conditions are safe and ensure that public is not too close to the area where the pyrotechnics are lit. State fireworks laws are enforced in the city by the Police Department and by the Sheriff's Office in the county. The city and county follow state laws in regard to fireworks. The use of illegal fireworks can lead to a misdemeanor with the severity of punishment decided by a judge, said Gordon Deno, the Wilson County fire marshal. If fireworks are purchased for use at home or elsewhere, Winstead said that caution should be taken as well as adult supervision. Deno also has some of the same advice. "Don't let little kids play with them, don't hold them in your hand, have a hose handy and don't mix alcohol with fireworks," Deno said. rochelle@wilsontimes.com | 265-7818 |
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WHAT!!!!!!! said...
The only thing in Wilson you can do is pay taxes, pay high electric bills. Eat out if you like chicken, hamburgers or pizza. One more thing, send your kids to a bad school system run by over paid CO personal who could care less as long as they are being paid. The one thing we do have is whirly-gigs, that we can call all our own. LOL
Thursday, July 02, 2009 at 9:53 AM
said...The only thing in Wilson you can do is pay taxes, pay high electric bills. Eat out if you like chicken, hamburgers or pizza. One more thing, send your kids to a bad school system run by over paid CO personal who could care less as long as they are being paid. The one thing we do have is whirly-gigs, that we can call all our own. LOL
Thursday, July 02, 2009 at 9:53 AM
oh yeah u can't do that in boring wilson n.c but u can do it in sout carolina may i need to stay there
Wednesday, July 01, 2009 at 8:57 PM
