VALDOSTA — The Valdosta Fire Department confiscated approximately 50 illegal fireworks throughout Valdosta during the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Valdosta Fire Chief J.D. Rice said that the fireworks were taken to prevent any fire hazards within the city.

“We were not trying to damper anyone’s festive mood, but we just didn’t want anyone to get hurt,” Rice explained.

“There are too many things that could go wrong when using fireworks, which is why it is best to leave them to the professionals. Even firecrackers can be dangerous,” the chief said.

Rice further explained that fireworks are classified into three categories, which are determined by the amount of black powder in the fireworks.

In the state of Georgia, citizens are not allowed to purchase any fireworks that have more than .25 grains of black powder in them.

“Basically, if a firework can project into the air, you cannot buy it in Georgia,” Rice said.

“The only ones you can buy and use in Georgia are sparklers.”

Fireworks that one may see during a fireworks show must be powered by licensed firework technicians, Rice said.

Georgia has strict rules for storing, transporting and using fireworks.

For more information about firework laws in Georgia, visit www.fireworks.com

/fireworks_laws/laws_georgia.asp.