State fire marshal cites Raleigh County man over alleged illegal fireworks sales in Summers County

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PENCE SPRINGS, W.Va. — The West Virginia Office of the State Fire Marshal has seized a variety of consumer fireworks and cited a Raleigh County man after an investigation into their alleged illegal sale in Summers County.

On Friday, July 3, the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) received a complaint regarding the possible illegal sale and use of consumer fireworks in the Pence Springs area of Summers County.

Pursuant to that complaint, Assistant State Fire Marshal B. Palmer conducted an investigation. During the investigation, Samuel Morton, of Raleigh County, was cited for allegedly selling a variety of consumer-grade fireworks along Route 12 in Summers County without the required authorization.

West Virginia law requires any person or business selling consumer fireworks to possess a valid Consumer Fireworks Retail Certificate. These requirements are designed to help protect both the public and those involved in the retail sale of consumer fireworks.

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As a result of the investigation, the consumer fireworks being offered for sale in alleged violation of West Virginia Code § 29-3E were seized by the Office of the State Fire Marshal. Morton was charged with selling consumer fireworks without a valid Consumer Fireworks Retail Certificate.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal remains committed to enforcing West Virginia’s fireworks laws. The public is encouraged to purchase consumer fireworks only from certified retail locations and to report suspected illegal fireworks sales or use to the Office of the State Fire Marshal or local law enforcement.

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