Roanoke sees an increase in firework complaints

Have you been hearing, seeing fireworks launched in the area?

ROANOKE, Va. – What is going on with the nonstop fireworks, every single night? You’ve likely heard them and you’re not alone.

Roanoke received over 100 firework complaint calls over the weekend.

“With the 4th of July less than two weeks away, we would like to take this opportunity to educate our community about what is legal and what is not legal and best practices regarding fireworks,” said city officials in a release Monday. “In Virginia, fireworks that explode or move horizontally or vertically are illegal.”

“You can’t have fireworks that launch into the air, go side-to-side or that explode,” explained Roanoke Fire Marshal David Guynn. “Most of the fireworks that we’re hearing complaints about fall into that category of being an illegal firework.”

If charged, you could face a fine of up to $2,500 or even face jail time. So far, no one has been charged and no one has been injured.


About the Author

McKinley Strother joined the WSLS 10 News team in June 2020. He anchors 10 News at 6 and 11 on Saturdays and Sundays and you'll also catch him reporting during the week.

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