Fireworks Safety for the 4th of July Weekend
Updated June 30, 2026.
Everyone loves fireworks, but the consensus among public safety professionals is that the safest fireworks are the ones at public events, run by professionals: Such as the ones that will light up the skies above Elkins Saturday night.
You’ve seen the fireworks sold around town, so if you decide to use them, please follow this advice, quoted directly from the National Safety Council (NSC):
You’ve seen the fireworks sold around town, so if you decide to use them, please follow this advice, quoted directly from the National Safety Council (NSC):
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks – those small sparklers are actually among the most dangerous fireworks to handle!
- Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
- Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
- Never light fireworks indoors
- Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person
- Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
- Never ignite fireworks in a container
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
- Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire
- Never, ever use illegal fireworks
Download Fireworks Safety Tips (PDF)
From the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
Consumer fireworks that shoot into the air are illegal in Elkins. Ground based fireworks such as fountains, snakes, sparklers and smoke bombs are allowed. Keep in mind that while sparklers look innocent, they are actually dangerous. They can burn at temperatures as high as 2,000°F. Bottom line, children should not use sparklers.
This fire from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says it all. Please take a moment to review it.
Have a safe, happy Fourth of July weekend while celebrating the United States’ 250th!
Have a safe, happy Fourth of July weekend!
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