ELKINS, W.Va., (WVDN) – The Fourth of July holiday is a wonderful time to get outdoors and have fun with friends and family at Monongahela National Forest. Remember to bring your camera, but please leave fireworks at home. Possessing, igniting, discharging or using any kind of fireworks is prohibited on National Forest System lands.
“Setting off fireworks in the forest is not only illegal, but it is also a hazardous activity that can lead to injury and wildfires,” said Aaron Kendall, fire management officer for Monongahela National Forest. “We encourage forest visitors to enjoy public fireworks displays in one of the communities in and around Monongahela National Forest.”
The public should call 911 for all emergencies; fire-related incidents on the Forest can also be reported via the Mid-Atlantic Coordination Center 24-hour dispatch line at 717-980-3230.
Law enforcement personnel will be watchful again this year. The use or possession of fireworks on public lands is subject to confiscation and fines of up to $5,000 and/or up to 6 months imprisonment. In addition, anyone found responsible for starting a wildfire can be held civilly and/or criminally liable.
Visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/mnf/ to learn more about Monongahela National Forest or follow the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MonongahelaNF/.
