31 New York counties now allow sparkler sales

Fourth of July weekend is just over a month away, and upstate New Yorkers can celebrate this year with sparklers without worrying if it's OK.

The state legislature passed a bill last June making New York the 47th state to allow the sale of sparklers. The bill requires each county to pass its own legislation allowing merchants to sell them.

So far, 31 upstate counties a from Essex in the north country, to Rensselaer in the east, to Chemung in the south, and Niagara in western New York a have passed the required legislation.

People can purchase safe sparklers and ground-based devices from local retailers. Sales are limited to twice each year a June 1st to July 5th and Dec. 26th through Jan. 2nd.