Fourth of July fireworks: What’s legal, and what’s not?

DELAWARE – With dozens of 4th of July celebrations canceled this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, fire officials in Delaware are reminding everyone of what they can and cannot legally have at home.

Ground-based fireworks and sparklers are legal for the 4th of July, but not other fireworks. We’re told the State Fire Marshall’s Office has already been inundated with calls about illegal fireworks being set off in backyards and other areas and that people can be fined or charged if caught doing so.

Officials say if you are going to use sparklers or ground based fireworks, make sure you stay far away from them, don’t use them in dry grass, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

“Those are simple suggestions, our number one suggestion is just don’t do it, the safest way is to refrain from using sparklers and fireworks and use some type of alternative,” Assistant Fire Marshall Michael Chionchio said.

Fireworks are illegal in the state almost every day of the year, but there are exceptions for the 4th of July.