Article: Playing with fireworks; Officials urge caution as often enjoyable - - and sometimes hazardous -- Fourth nears

Fireworks will be a coveted commodity at many Independence Day celebrations this weekend, but the rockets that give the most bang for the buck aren't necessarily legal.

State law prohibits use of some fireworks.

In Pennsylvania, all pyrotechnic devices are illegal except sparklers and fireworks containing no more powder than is found in a toy-pistol cap, said Jack Lewis, state police spokesman.

Standard firecrackers, Roman candles and cherry bombs are illegal, he said.

"Anything that's going to make a lot of noise is going to be illegal," he said.

Some municipalities in the state even ban sparklers because of the high temperature at which they burn and the possibility of errant sparks ...

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