Celebrating the Fourth of July is usually a fun-filled experience for most people. But it can be a real danger for folks who are irresponsible with fireworks.
Over the years, Portsmouth Fire Dept.'s David English has seen it all, from the harmless sparkler to an assortment of explosives. All of them are illegal to buy, sell or use in Virginia.
These are apparently hard lessons to learn for Virginians, who last year alone started 15-accidenteal fires on the Fourth of July. Each year dozens are injured and some die. The victims are often children.
Those who get caught with illegal fireworks can also expect pain in the form of a fine of about $2,500 and in some cases jail time.
Authorities will be out all weekend looking for people with illegal fireworks - which include pretty much everything in Hampton Roads. (Only sparklers are allowed in some sections of the Penninsula.)
Over the years, Portsmouth Fire Dept.'s David English has seen it all, from the harmless sparkler to an assortment of explosives. All of them are illegal to buy, sell or use in Virginia.
These are apparently hard lessons to learn for Virginians, who last year alone started 15-accidenteal fires on the Fourth of July. Each year dozens are injured and some die. The victims are often children.
Those who get caught with illegal fireworks can also expect pain in the form of a fine of about $2,500 and in some cases jail time.
Authorities will be out all weekend looking for people with illegal fireworks - which include pretty much everything in Hampton Roads. (Only sparklers are allowed in some sections of the Penninsula.)
