FIREWORKS

Exploding fireworks killed a man in Germany and another in Austria on New Year’s Eve

With New Year’s Eve coming up, there will be plenty of celebrations and fireworks. And while it might be a party for you, it’s not so much for your pets.

Animal shelters said fireworks are to blame for the increase in runaway pets as of late.

One person - an employee of the fireworks company who was trying to set up for the town's Fourth of July celebration - has minor injuries.

As the holiday weekend kicks off, fire and EMS officials are warning people to obey the law and stay safe when setting off fireworks.

Happy Independence Day! Arguably the best day for fireworks is here.

With Independence Day on the horizon, there will be plenty of celebrations and fireworks. While it might be a party for you, it’s not so much for your pets.

Compared to this time last year, Roanoke Fire-EMS officials say firework injury-related calls are down.

The colorful display takes place at 9:15pm Friday, July 2nd.

America’s 245th birthday is quickly approaching and that means fireworks!

We introduced you to Kris and Kevin DeBernard earlier this month. They created a GoFundMe page to keep their father's fireworks show going even after his death.

Mitchell’s Point Marina announced Friday that in addition to its July 2 fireworks it will now be launching fireworks on Independence Day.

Many fireworks sold in the U.S. are imported from China.

ROANOKE, Va. – One person’s life will likely never be the same after launching an illegal firework in Roanoke on Wednesday. On July 15, Roanoke Fire-EMS crews responded to a call for a traumatic injury and arrived to find a person who they said had sustained a significant injury from improperly using an illegal firework. The injury will likely result in permanent disfigurement to the patient’s injured extremities, according to Roanoke-Fire EMS. The City of Roanoke E-911 Center has recorded 91 calls for fireworks since July 5. In Virginia, it is illegal to possess, use, store, sell, or handle any firework that explodes, rises into the air, travels laterally, or fires projectiles into the air.

Our hottest region today appears to be Southside with highs around 95 degrees. The New River Valley and Highlands will be a touch cooler with highs in the upper 80s to low 90s. Independence Day planner (WSLS)We expect mostly sunny skies for the holiday and rain chances appear low at just 20 percent. I can’t completely rule out storms around fireworks time, but the risk appears pretty low. We’ll also get a little relief from the heat tomorrow as highs peak in the mid to upper 80s, seasonable for this time of year.

ROANOKE, Va. – Authorities charged two men Thursday after seizing more than 40 containers of illegal fireworks in Roanoke, according to the Roanoke Fire Marshal’s Office. The Office received a complaint of the sale of illegal fireworks earlier this week and after an investigation, in coordination with police, officials said they witnessed two men selling illegal fireworks. When officials searched their vehicle, they found the containers of illegal fireworks. Mark Burnette, 65, of Salem, was charged with possession of illegal fireworks and sale of fireworks without a permit. Roy Abbott, 45, of Roanoke, was charged with possession of illegal fireworks.

ROANOKE, Va. – While many fireworks displays have been canceled, there may be a few other things that catch your eye this holiday weekend! The full ‘Buck’ moon rises on the 4th, and it does so in conjunction with a few friends. Penumbral eclipse to occur this weekendThe last thing is something you won’t see. This is called ‘aphelion,' or the farthest point away from the sun in Earth’s annual orbit. Aphelion takes place this 4th of July weekendThis further proves that our seasons on Earth aren’t dictated by our distance from the sun, but rather the angle of the sun.

SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, Va. – Another fireworks show will not be happening this 4th of July weekend. The Saunders Volunteer Fire Company and Parkway Marina have decided to postpone the 2020 Smith Mountain Lake Fireworks and Fire Company Fundraiser. The decision was citing uncertainties of future coronavirus requirements. All hope is not lost for a fireworks display this year, other options are being considered and more information will be released in due time. For the fire company, this event is its biggest fundraising event and it’s asking people who are able to donate to their cause.

ROANOKE, Va. – What is going on with the nonstop fireworks, every single night? Roanoke received over 100 firework complaint calls over the weekend. “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.

Narrows, Va. – Fireworks are on in Narrows this Fourth of July. The towns firework committee announced the “drive-in” show this week. The Independence Day show kicks off at 9:45 p.m. According to the committee, the best viewing locations are:Most of the high school hill areaNHS parking lotAll businesses along 460 ( please note it is illegal to park in the median )Farmers Market - Center StreetDuck Pond - Mill Pond FieldDue to the global coronavirus pandemic, you are asked to stay around your car to prevent large gatherings and the spread of the virus. The show is put together on behalf of Narrows Parks & Recreation and Narrows Firework committee.

CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. – While many locations have decided to not launch fireworks this Fourth of July, that’s not the case in Blacksburg and Christiansburg. Christiansburg detailsIn Christiansburg, the fireworks show will begin at about 9:15 p.m. from a property off Peppers Ferry Road. Blacksburg detailsBlacksburg’s fireworks show will begin at 9:30 p.m. from the old Blacksburg High School property on Patrick Henry Drive. If it does rain, fireworks will not be rescheduled. Anyone in either town who is planning to watch fireworks from their car is encouraged to stay in their vehicles during the show.

VINTON, Va. – If you’re looking ahead to Independence Day celebrations, you won’t be catching fireworks in Vinton. Town officials announced Tuesday night they are canceling the annual July 4 fireworks display, as well as all other planned activities and entertainment for the town’s Independence Day Celebration. Officials said the move is a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and Gov. Vinton is also not granting any permits for street closures or stage rentals for events, concerts and festivals during June. Town officials said they look forward to hosting the July 4 fireworks again in 2021.

COVINGTON, Va. – Covington will have Memorial Day fireworks this year on Saturday, May 23rd, around 9:30 p.m. according to the Covington Parks and Recreation facebook page. The local summer kick off has been a community favorite for several years now. “We have been able to enjoy music, jolly jumps, ball tournaments, good food, corn-hole, fellowship with friends, and a fantastic fireworks show. Due to our current Covid-19 situation, we are not going to be able to kick off our summer as we have been accustomed too. “You most likely can enjoy the show from the front seat of your car,” said the post.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – After the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense erupted for 21 points in the 4th quarter of Super Bowl LIV, fans erupted in their own way. Following the 31-20 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, fireworks lit up the sky in parts of Kansas City. The National Weather Service in Kansas City posted to social media that fireworks celebrations were being detected on weather radar. 🎉🎇🎆🏈 Posted by US National Weather Service Kansas City Missouri on Sunday, February 2, 2020We oftentimes see birds, bugs, smoke, etc.

Fireworks exploding on the Fourth of July can have unintended consequences for some war veterans who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). WLNS-TV's Christa Lamendola reports from Lansing, Michigan.