Fireworks Display Laws

With the Fourth celebrations less than a month away, did you know that you now need to get an approved application before conducting a fireworks display?  Kevin Bounds, Wilkes Fire Marshal, was at the County Commissioners’ meeting earlier this month to explain the new state law and get applications approved.  After the 2009 incident at Okracoke Island, the state changed the law.  Under the new law, no fireworks display may be conducted unless it is at a concert or public exhibition which is personally directly by an insured display operator who has received mandated training by the State Fire Marshal’s Office.  Also, the fireworks display must receive a permit from the Board of County Commissioners.  Some local groups and towns have already applied and received approval for fireworks displays.  Fire Marshal Kevin Bounds and Wilkes Sheriff Chris Shew will be on Focus on the Foothills today at 1:05 to discuss the new law and procedures with fireworks.