Augusta sheriff calls for caution with fireworks during drought

The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office has issued a warning about using fireworks during the ongoing drought.

"As the Fourth of July holiday celebrations kick off, the Augusta County Government Center, Augusta County Fire and Rescue, and the Sheriff’s Office would like to remind our residents that the county is currently in extreme drought," reads the press release. "We are asking our citizens to refrain from open burning and projectile-type fireworks due to the dry conditions. We hope you enjoy a safe holiday with family and friends."

Examples of legal fireworks are sparklers, fountains, pharaoh's serpents, and whirligigs. Illegal fireworks include firecrackers, skyrockets, torpedoes, and fireworks that explode, travel laterally, rise into the air, or fire projectiles. For more information on what types of fireworks are legal and what types are illegal, click here.

"Don't purchase or use unlabeled fireworks," reads the information provided by the sheriff's office. "The items should display the manufacturer's name and instructions for proper use. Don't make fireworks at home from your own ingredients or purchased kits."

According to the release, the Augusta County Board of Supervisors adopted the state fire prevention code on fireworks in 2010. The code means the county decides which, if any, organization gets a permit for fireworks. Firework permits are restricted:

• “Display of fireworks shall be limited to the place or places identified in the application and shall in each case be within a public park or other place open to the public.”
• “Use of fireworks shall be under the supervision and control of an expert in the handling thereof.”
• “No display of fireworks shall violate any statute or ordinance regulating noise in the county.”

The sheriff's office also included the following at home safety tips for legal fireworks:

• Fireworks should only be used under adult supervision.
• Fireworks should only be used outdoors on a driveway, sidewalk, or other fire-resistant surface. Remember fires are caused by careless handling of fireworks in areas exposed to sparks or live fireworks.
• Never ignite fireworks during high winds where flying sparks can start a fire.
• Keep a bucket of water handy in case sparks start a fire.
• Be sure children around fireworks know to stop, drop, and roll if their clothing catches on fire.
• Deposit sparklers in a metal container as they may be stepped on while hot or lost in the grass and stepped on while playing.
• Never aim or throw fireworks at another person.
• Never try to reignite fireworks that malfunction or fail to go off.
• Do not wear loose clothing when using fireworks
• Never experiment or make your own fireworks.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.

Lyra Bordelon (she/her) is the public transparency and justice reporter at The News Leader. Do you have a story tip or feedback? It’s welcome through email to lbordelon@gannett.com. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com.