Route One Fireworks Stand Opens

For residents who’ve noticed the "Fireworks For Sale" signs along Richmond Highway, get ready for Fourth of July. Stands have been popping up all over Virginia, but there is no reason to travel far when the Beacon Mall is home to a wide variety of entertaining explosives.

"The stand is run by a larger company with locations all over the area," attendant Jason Longfellow said. "Every year they set up stands in the same high volume areas and have regular customers in the community."

If you’re interested in picking up your own Fourth of July fireworks, the stand will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day through July 9th, but if you miss out other locations will be open until July 11th. As a special, all fireworks are on sale for buy one get one free, but the quickest buyers will have access to the best selection.

"Right now it’s just me. But when it gets busier, friends and family will come help out," Longfellow said. "There could be as many as 10 people working on Fourth of July."

Fireworks range in price from a few dollars to over a hundred for speciality and large items. From smoke bombs to screamers to sparklers, you can find it all.

Fairfax County reminds the public that July in National Fireworks Safety Month and encourages citizens to take the proper steps to stay safe. Their top tips include keeping fireworks at least 25 feet away from people, only lighting one firework at a time and never throwing them.

Any firework, which explodes, emits a flame or sparks higher than 12 feet, or performs as a projectile is prohibited and firecrackers, cherry bombs and skyrockets are all included. Any such fireworks will be confiscated by the authorities. Offenses are Class One misdemeanors in Fairfax County and are punishable by a $2,500 fine and up to 12 months in prison. 

The Fairfax County Fire Department approved 1,300 fireworks for sale and usage in the county, according to FCFD spokesperson Carlton Burkhammer. Any device purchased from a fireworks stand with a permit may be discharged, he said.