Inspectors search for Illegal Fireworks

Inspectors search for Illegal Fireworks (Added: June 26, 2008)

As businesses sell fireworks for the Fourth Of July, fire inspectors crackdown on illegal firework sales. Penalties for illegal fireworks are up to one year behind bars, and/or a 25-hundred dollar fi (more)

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By: WSLS-TV Staff Reports | WSLS
Published: June 26, 2008

The Fourth of July is just a week away... and many people shopping for fireworks.
Over the past several years, The Roanoke City Fire Department has confiscated more than ten-thousand dollars worth of illegal fireworks.
WSLS 10 On YOu Side was there as fire inspectors made their rounds to mak sure illegal fireworks stay out of the hands of the public.
Tony Young, a Roanoke city fire code inspector, introduces himself to salespeople at a fireworks tent along route 220.
"I'm Tony Young with the fire marshal's office coming to take a look around>
The tents selling fireworks are popping up all over Roanoke.
Fire code inspector, Tony Young, puts the heat on them and other retailers to make sure they don't sell illegal fireworks.
Young says, "cause these people be puttin them off in the backyards and we don't something going over on the neighbors roof and setting the house on fire."
One product sparking concern this year is called "red box" -- because it explodes or shoots...and in Virginia...that's illegal.
Mollie asks: "Is that what you're finding today?"
Young answers: "Actually i've been finding things in good shape."
Thats holding true for all of the city's inspections so far this year.
But, Young did find outdated and uninspected fire extinguishers at this tent...
Young says, "Now this ones dated 2005."
Given the danger of the products, the business has only 1 day to correct the problem.
Young says, "I'll probably be back here tomorrow."
Pat Finnicum, who is selling fireworks to raise money for her church says, "500 grams is the max we can sell in Virginia"
Young says businesses like these tents are compliant with Virginia law because they know inspectors will pay them visits.
But, if the business people do violate the law -- they can spend up to a year in jail and/or a 25-hundred dollar fine.>
It's the same penalty for private individuals -- some who can't help but to ask this burning question....
Mollie asks: "Do you get people in here asking for illegal fireworks?
Finnicum answers: "All the time, they say, where's the good stuff?"
And just like inspectors keep an eye out for illegal fireworks at business, the fire department will do the same in your neighborhood...to make sure the Fourth of July is a safe one.
We also checked with the Roanoke county fire marshal's office.
There have not yet been any illegal fireworks on sale there
Also, we returned to the tent where the extinguisher was out of date -- it had already been replaced.

Inspectors search for Illegal Fireworks

Inspectors search for Illegal Fireworks (Added: June 26, 2008)

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