LACKAWANNA COUNTY, Pa. — Most nights leading up to Independence Day feature fireworks bursting in the sky across northeastern and central Pennsylvania.
Chuck Karam, owner of Bulldog Fireworks in Dickson City, says the days leading up to the Fourth are the busiest days of the year.
"Although we're open year-round—and you know many people celebrate many times of the year with fireworks—the vast majority of our business is done for the Fourth of July season," Karam said.
But before lighting those fireworks, Karam says they offer safety tips to keep in mind—like keeping a safe distance from fireworks and lighting them off one at a time.
"We put out a paper, and these are safety ideas and recommendations for our consumers. It's most important to follow all of your local ordinances, the state law, and naturally, the federal law."
Also, when you scan any fireworks in the store, you can see a demonstration on the screen to understand the risks when planning your displays.
"Safety is the most important factor when enjoying fireworks or using fireworks for celebration."
Newswatch 16 also spoke with officials from the Scranton Fire Department about the city's new firework ordinance established last June.
"(The ordinance) prohibits the use of fireworks on public property, including roadways and sidewalks, and also prohibits the use within 150 feet of a structure. And that's for safety so that we don't catch anything on fire and property damage to neighboring properties," said David Megotz, Scranton Fire Department fire inspector.
While fire officials urge people to leave the fireworks to the professionals in your area, if you are going to light them, Megotz has more safety advice.
"The remnants of those fireworks can also catch fire when thrown away in the garbage. So if you do use them, we recommend you put the remnants of a firework in a bucket of water overnight so that it doesn't catch anything on fire, not your regular household garbage."
The fire department also stresses that you should never let children light fireworks.