Fireworks Ban May Be Invalid

UPSHUR COUNTY — Upshur County has implemented an emergency fireworks ban — maybe. Precinct 1 County Commissioner James Crittenden sent an emergency disaster declaration to the governor’s office without informing fellow commissioners, according to Upshur County’s Precinct 3 Commissioner Lloyd Crabtree. Though Crabtree and other commissioners did not vote on the emergency declaration, it might still be valid. Crabtree said residents in the county can still purchase fireworks, but cannot set them off. Franklin County recently enacted a similar emergency declaration banning fireworks.

The ban comes after fireworks have been on sale for several days in Upshur County. Upshur County Fire Marshal Paul Steelman said he is going forward with the ban as usual. The ban, however, will not affect the fireworks display Sunday evening at Gilmer’s Buckeye Stadium.