File Photo Wheeling’s police and fire departments are reminding residents and visitors that setting off illegal fireworks in city limits will now lead to a $500 fine.

WHEELING — With Independence Day around the corner, Wheeling’s police and fire departments are reminding residents and visitors that there is a list of fireworks they’re not allowed to set off within the city limits — and doing so will blow a much bigger hole in their wallets than in years past.

The city government recently amended its fireworks code. Illegal fireworks ignited in the city now carry a $500 fine and confiscation of materials. The previous fine was $100 and court costs.

The city’s fireworks ordinance, enacted in 1981, prohibits any firework that propels into the air that is combustible or explosive, flammable or audible. This includes bottle and skyrockets, Roman candles, and sky lanterns. Some fireworks — including sparklers, fountains, party poppers, snaps, smoke devices and various non-propellant noisemakers — are allowed to be used within city limits.

Although multiple types of fireworks can be purchased following a change in West Virginia state law in 2016, they are still not permitted to be used within the city of Wheeling.

“Each year, especially the first week of July, the Wheeling Police Department becomes inundated with fireworks complaints,” Police Chief Shawn Schwertfeger said. “We are asking everyone to be courteous of others and not ignite (illegal fireworks).”

Schwertfeger noted that officers will not be looking for people who are buying fireworks or transporting them in the city.

All attention and enforcement efforts will be focused on discharging.

Fire Chief Jim Blazier added that fireworks are known to cause fire and serious injury this time of year. The days before and around July 4 often are hot and dry, and an errant firework could ignite a blaze that could harm people and property.

“The fireworks ordinance was put in place more than 40 years ago to prevent the destruction of property from fire and reduce serious injuries,” Blazier said. “We ask everyone to keep their neighbors, pets and friends in mind and to play it safe, even with legal fireworks.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association, 44% of injuries related to fireworks are burns to hands or fingers. More than a quarter of fires started by fireworks nationally occur during the Independence Day holiday.

The full city ordinance can be read online at wheelingwv.gov/fireworks.