Miami-Dade fire inspectors conduct fireworks sweep ahead of Fourth of July weekend

Inspectors make sure vendors aren't selling illegal fireworks

MIAMI-DADE COOUNTY, Fla. – Inspectors in Miami-Dade County are conducting a fireworks sweep to keep the public safe on the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Miami-Dade fire inspectors showed up unannounced at fireworks stands on Friday, making sure vendors are following the rules and aren't selling anything illegal.

"For the most part in Dade County, people really do follow the rules, but every once in a while you have your one or two who might not follow the rules," inspector Katrina Atkins said.

Several inspectors were looking around at a tent on Northwest 27th Avenue. The vendor has been around for a decade and has always followed the rules, but he said he still gets a little nervous when the inspectors come by.

"Yeah, because it's like you're in the principal's office," he said.

Authorities said sparklers, poppers and fountains are all legal to buy, but anything that shoots into the air is illegal and can come with serious consequences.

"We can confiscate them, you can receive a citation or it's a possibility of being shut down," Atkins said.

Selling illegal fireworks can be lucrative, but it's risky business.

"We want to make sure everyone is safe and make sure that everyone is enjoying their holiday, and that everyone is having fun," Atkins said. "That's the most important thing."


About the Author:

Jenise Fernandez joined the Local 10 News team in November 2014. She is thrilled to be back home reporting for the station she grew up watching. Jenise, who is from Miami and graduated from Florida International University, also interned at Local 10 while she was in college.