Fireworks In Fairfax County: What Kinds Are Permitted, Safety Tips

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Fourth of July is often celebrated with fireworks, both at local fireworks shows and at homes. Before celebrating at home, Fairfax County residents should know what types of fireworks are and aren't allowed.

Across Virginia, fireworks that emit sparks or burn to a distance beyond 16.4 feet, explode, travel horizontally or vertically by their own power, fire projectiles, or emit a continuous flame longer than 20 inches are not permitted. A few examples of illegal fireworks in Virginia are aerial shells, firecrackers, cherry bombs, roman candles, and skyrockets. The only time these types of fireworks are allowed is a public fireworks display with a permit obtained by the local fire official.

Virginia has a list of approved fireworks that can be sold in 2022. In Fairfax County, these types of fireworks may only be sold at approved stands from June 1 to July 15 each year. Some examples of approved fireworks are variations of sparklers, fountains and smoke balls.

While exploding and igniting fireworks is not allowed in Fairfax County and the towns of Clifton, Herndon, and Vienna, approved fireworks types may be used on private property with consent from the property owner. Fireworks purchased in other states that are not Virginia approved fireworks cannot be used or stored in Fairfax County and the three towns.

Possession or use of illegal fireworks can result in a class 1 misdemeanor charge with a maximum penalty of a $2,500 fine and/or a year in jail.

In 2020, there were around 1,600 injuries caused by firecrackers and 900 caused by sparklers in the U.S., according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The month around Fourth of July accounted for 66 percent of these injuries, and 44 percent were burns.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue recommends the following safety tips for use of approved fireworks and keeping pets safe:

• Keep bystanders at least 25 feet away from fireworks.
• When using approved fireworks, minors should be supervised by a parent or legal guardian. Do not allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. Even sparklers can burn at temperatures around 1,200 degrees, which can melt some metals.
• When using approved fireworks, place the device on a flat surface, clear of any combustible material and clear of all buildings (50 feet).
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
• Do not put portion of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully functioned.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of fire or other mishap.
• Light one fireworks device at a time, then back to a safe distance immediately after lighting.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• Avoid buying or handling fireworks that come packaged in brown paper as this can often be a sign that the fireworks are commercial or display-type fireworks made for professional fireworks shows. These fireworks can pose a serious danger to consumers and the public.
• Read the directions on fireworks packaging.
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
• Soak used fireworks in a bucket of water to ensure they have been thoroughly extinguished before disposal.
• Don’t bring your pets to a fireworks display.
• If fireworks are being used near your home, put your pet in a safe, interior room to avoid exposure to the sound.
• Make sure your pet has an identification tag, in case it runs off during a fireworks display.
• Never shoot fireworks of any kind (consumer fireworks, sparklers, fountains) near pets.

Accidents involving fireworks should be reported to the Fairfax County Fire Marshal through 911 for emergencies and 703-691-2131 for non-emergencies.

Anyone who wishes to dispose of illegal or unwanted fireworks without penalty can contact the Fairfax County Fire Marshal at 703-246-4849.