The Fourth of July is right around the corner and many people are stocking up on some of the holiday essentials like fireworks. Before you set off those fireworks a local fire expert wants you to remember safety first.

Captain with the Parkersburg Fire Department, Carl Sizemore, wants all West Virginians to remember the law to setting off fireworks. "Basically in West Virginia anything that propels into the air or causes an explosion... is illegal in the state of West Virginia, "said Sizemore.

In West Virginia novelty items like sparklers, and snakes are allowed to be sold.

In Ohio the law is the same in West Virginia the only difference is larger fireworks can be sold in Ohio, just not set off without a permit.

Sizemore said, "I mean let's face it, every year we do have people that set them off. "

Sizemore said if people are caught setting off fireworks without a license the price could be a hefty fine so he advises the public to watch fireworks at a designated location.

For more tips on firework safety you can go to our web channel and click on the hot button.