By Tamela Staples

During this Fourth of July holiday, city officials are reminding the public that shooting fireworks within the city limit is strictly prohibited.

Troy Fire Chief Michael Stephens warned that Pike County residents celebrating outside of the city limit should keep children away from the firework.

“There should not be any minors using them,” he said. “If they are going to be used they need to be used by an adult. They are explosives and they do burn at a very high temperature.”

Elaine Pinckard, owner of Pinckard’s Firework’s shop, said they try to guide the young children who come into the shop and make sure they are aware of the warning labels on the fireworks.

“One of my best customers, and a good friend of mine, had an incident where his eye was shot out with roman candles because they were shooting them at each other,” Pinckard said.

Pinckard said they try to sell smaller children things that do not contain a lot of gun powder, such as fountains.

“If a child came in that was 5 or 6, I will not sell to them, but most of the children who come in have adults with them,” said Pinckard. “We have a great Fire Marshall who inspects everything, and we have our regulations … you just have to use a lot of common sense.”

Although rain has shifted the threats of heat advisories, Stephens still warns the public to pay close attention to the weather.

“Be very aware of your surroundings,” Stephens said. “We want everyone to enjoy their Fourth of July, but we would like them to use extreme caution if they are going to be shooting fireworks.

By city ordinance, fireworks are not to be used within city limits unless it is approved by city officials. “That why we provide a fireworks show for the citizens of Troy and anyone who wants to attend,” said Stephens.

The Annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration will begin at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday with the viewing spot being Veterans Memorial Stadium at Troy University.