With the Fourth of July a mere week away, fireworks season is officially open in Winchester and Clark County.

Winchester Fire-EMS Fire Marshal Gary Henry was out inspecting fireworks vendors Tuesday, the first official day of sales. This year, there are nine vendors within the city, up one from last year, he said.

With open sales here and the holiday quickly approaching, there will be plenty of opportunity for residents to enjoy fireworks.

City ordinance only allows fireworks to be discharged between 10 a.m and 11 p.m., Henry said. It also stipulates they can not be used within 200 feet of any building, vehicle or person.

“There’s not a lot of places in town to shoot them off,” he said.

Discharging fireworks also carries a lot of risks of personal injury.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety offers these suggestions for a safer holiday.

— Always discharge fireworks with adult supervision and never let children light fireworks.

— Read the labels and directions before lighting fireworks.

— Wear safety glasses when using fireworks.

— Light one and step away.

— Never attempt to re-light a dud. Wait 20 minutes and soak it in water.

— Keep a bucket of water and a hose at hand.

— Never consume alcohol while using fireworks.

— Don’t bring pets to a fireworks display.