Fireworks are a symbol of the Fourth of July holiday, but the city of Selma bans its use.

The city prohibits the selling, buying and use of fireworks within the city limits. It is only legal to bring fireworks into the city limits, but they must have been purchased. Selling, purchasing or using fireworks is a misdemeanor with a penalty of $500.

The city ordinance reads: “It shall be unlawful at any time for any person to sell, offer for sale or otherwise dispose of or to have in possession, keep, store, manufacture, use, handle, explode, discharge or shoot any pyrotechnics, commonly called ‘fireworks,’ within the city or police jurisdiction of the city.”

Orrville and Valley Grande will have fireworks shows at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m., respectively.

“Please be safe with fireworks,” City of Selma Assistant Fire Chief Chris Graham said.

The Selma Fire Department has the following tips for setting off fireworks:

– Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately.

-Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities.

– Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

– Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.

– Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before using or buying them.

– Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

-Never allow children to play with fireworks.

-Light one firework at a time, then move back quickly.

-After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.

– Never let young children play with sparklers because they burn at temperatures of almost 2,000 degrees.

-Avoid buying fireworks packaged in brown paper because this is a sign fireworks were made for professional displays and pose a danger to consumers.