Fireworks confiscated; display canceled

DARKE CO. (WDTN) - A Fourth of July fireworks display is canceled, after the state fire marshal confiscates all the fireworks.

Greenville has canceled its Sunday night show, and Ansonia's Friday night display is in limbo.

The decision comes as nearly two tons of professional grade fireworks, that were intended for the two displays, are currently in the state fire marshal's custody.

State fre marshal officials said they will be destroyed.

Investigators received a tip on Tuesday, July 1, that the fireworks were not being stored properly, so they went to check it out.

Officials said they found tens of thousands of dollars worth of high grade explosives, being stored in two cars and a detached garage in Darke County, by people who did not have the proper license.

Shane Cartmill, a spokesman for the state fire marshal's office said that they had no other choice but to take all of the explosives.

"The safety of the individuals who are both going to be igniting these fireworks, and the bystanders, is paramount to anything else at this point," said Cartmill.

As of Thursday night, officials said no one had been arrested in the ongoing investigation.

Although the fireworks display in Greenville is canceled, all of the other Fourth of July festivities at Eagle Park, on Shade Road, will go on as planned.