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!
City Hall News: Week of September 13, 2026
Two council committees meet Monday, and Elkins City Council meets Thursday. September bulk pickup begins Monday, and utility and in-city Fire & Rescue Fee bills are due September 20. The Municipal Properties Committee meets Monday at 11 a.m. at the Phil Gainer […]
Read More
Council Adopts Updated Comprehensive Plan
Elkins City Council adopted an updated comprehensive plan Thursday, September 3. The vote completed a planning and public-review process that began in 2023. The plan updates the city’s 2015 comprehensive plan. It reviews progress made since that plan was adopted and identifies […]
Read More
ELKINS POLICE RECRUITING FOR OCTOBER 17 TESTING
INCENTIVES UP TO $20,000 The City of Elkins Police Department is accepting applications from both certified and non-certified candidates for its next Police Civil Service testing on Saturday, October 17, 2026. The testing process will include a physical fitness test, written test, […]
Read More
Elkins Mayor Jerry A. Marco Sworn In as President of West Virginia Municipal League
ELKINS, W.Va. — Aug. 7, 2026 — Elkins Mayor Jerry A. Marco was sworn in as president of the West Virginia Municipal League (WVML) for the 2026–2027 term during an Aug. 6 ceremony in Charleston. Outgoing president and Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin […]
Read More
Work for Elkins Wastewater Dept. as a Technician, a Career AI Can’t Replace
ELKINS, W.Va. — Aug. 4, 2026 — The City of Elkins Wastewater Department is searching for a Wastewater Collection Technician I, II or III. This is a full-time position with benefits and will remain open until the position is filled. Final placement […]
Read More
EFD Accepting Applications for Entry-Level Firefighters Through Aug. 21
ELKINS, W.Va. — Aug. 3, 2026 — The Elkins Fire Department (EFD) is seeking candidates for entry-level appointment to the ranks of paid, civil-service firefighters. Although there are currently no immediate openings, the department is accepting applications from Monday, Aug. 3, through […]
Read More