Fire Chief: City Should Consider Personal Fireworks Ban

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- DC Fire & EMS Chief Dennis Rubin doesn't think an urban setting like Washington is a good fit for personal fireworks.

At a press conference announcing the confiscation of illegal fireworks 9NEWS NOW asked Chief Rubin about those that are sold legally. Rubin responded that it may be time to consider banning all fireworks except those for public display.

James Peters, a retired city fire inspector who runs four legal fireworks stands, thinks that's a bad idea. Peters believes shutting down the legal businesses will just make the market bigger for those who illegally sell fireworks.

DC Fire Marshal Gary Palmer said inspectors have been working 16-hour days tracking the sale of illegal fireworks.

On display were 40 boxes of fireworks that Chief Palmer says are not legal for sale in the District. They were confiscated in Southeast Washington on Saturday. It represents one of the largest single seizures of illegal fireworks in DC Police also seized drugs and two guns. Charges are pending in that case.

Chief Palmer says ten other people have been arrested on fireworks violation charges in recent weeks.