Seasonal & Holidays

4th Of July Fireworks 2021: What's Legal, What's Not In NoVA, DC

See what types of fireworks VA, DC allow for July 4th. It may be tempting to light your own pyrotechnics, but experts say don't do it.

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What rules govern fireworks in Virginia and Washington, D.C., and what's the status of annual fireworks shows for 2021? The state fire marshal's office encourages residents to leave fireworks to professionals and watch public displays.
What rules govern fireworks in Virginia and Washington, D.C., and what's the status of annual fireworks shows for 2021? The state fire marshal's office encourages residents to leave fireworks to professionals and watch public displays. (Lorraine Swanson/Patch)

VIRGINIA — As plans for 4th of July celebrations ramp up in Virginia and the District of Columbia, police and fire departments urge residents to leave the fireworks to the professionals. Localities can regulate which fireworks are illegal in the state of Virginia, and the District bans firecrackers and fireworks that explode.

Virginia law allows residents to light up sparklers, fountains, Pharaoh's serpents, caps for pistols, or pinwheels, but localities can ban them entirely. Generally possessing, selling or using illegal fireworks results in a fine up to $2,500 or up to one year in jail, so be careful where you buy fireworks and make sure you can use them.

In some local jurisdictions, the sale and use of fireworks — even sparklers — is prohibited. For instance, residents can purchase certain types of fireworks in Fairfax County and in Arlington County, but not in the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church.

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Many Virginia communities will again have fireworks displays as coronavirus restrictions are lifted. See a list of northern Virginia plans below.

Here's what you need to know, based on information from each jurisdiction's website (click on each jurisdiction to find more detailed information):

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Arlington County

It is legal to sell certain types of fireworks, such a sparklers, in Arlington. However, "projectile type fireworks, fireworks which explode, or fireworks emitting sparks or flames for a distance greater than 12 feet are prohibited. All illegal fireworks shall be confiscated and the person responsible will be charged with violation of County law, maximum $2,500.00 fine and one year in jail."

City of Alexandria

It is illegal for anyone to store, offer or expose for sale, sell at retail or explode any fireworks—including sparklers — within Alexandria's city limits. Violations of the fireworks law are punishable by fines up to $2,500 and up to a year in prison.

City of Falls Church

The use of all fireworks is banned in Falls Church. Additionally, the sale of fireworks, explosives or any explosive materials is prohibited within the City of Falls Church.

City of Fairfax

Any firework that explodes, emits a flame or sparks higher than 12 feet, or performs as a projectile is prohibited under the City of Fairfax fire code. Permits are required for the sale of all fireworks, with those permits remaining valid only from June 1 to July 15 of each year. Certain types of fireworks, such as firecrackers, bottle rockets, and roman candles, can be bought legally in other areas, but are prohibited for possession or use in the City of Fairfax. Bringing unapproved fireworks from other jurisdictions could result in a fine up to $2,500 or up to one year in jail.

Fairfax County/Herndon/Vienna

Use of fireworks is strictly prohibited in Fairfax County and the towns of Clifton, Herndon, and Vienna with the exception of permissible fireworks on private property. Outdoor fireworks displays and indoor pyrotechnic displays are only permitted when approved by the County Fire Marshal and a Fire Prevention Code Permit is issued.

City of Fredericksburg

Use and sale of fireworks is prohibited without a permit from the Fire Marshal. However, use and sale of sparklers, fountains, Pharaoh's serpents, caps for pistols and pinwheels commonly known as whirligigs or spinning jennies are allowed.

Loudoun County

Consumer fireworks such as sparklers and ground based fountains, are legal to possess and use on private property. The use of personal fireworks such as sparklers is banned on on public property like parks. Residents can buy legal consumer fireworks from a local business or roadside stand possessing a fireworks retail permit from the Loudoun County Fire Marshal's Office.

City of Manassas

Permissible fireworks such as sparklers, fountains, Pharaoh's serpents, caps for pistols, or pinwheels commonly known as whirligigs or spinning jennies, are permitted on private property. Fireworks should not be projectiles, explode, and flame or spark to a distance greater than five meters.

City of Manassas Park

Fireworks when such have been approved by the fire marshal include sparklers, fountains, pharaoh's serpents, caps for pistols, pinwheels commonly known as whirligigs or spinning jennies, or other similar approved fireworks. Fireworks which emit flame or sparks to a distance greater than 12 feet or perform as a projectile or which, from outward appearances resemble firecrackers, cherry bombs, Roman candles, torpedoes or skyrockets are not allowed.

Prince William County

Fireworks sold at county-approved fireworks such as sparklers, fountains, Pharaoh's serpents, caps for pistols and pinwheels (commonly known as whirligigs), spinning jennies or other similar fireworks approved by the Fire Marshal are permissible. Any such fireworks which explode, emits flame or sparks to a distance greater than 12 feet, rises into the air or travels laterally or performs as a projectile or fires projectiles other than sparks are prohibited. Possession or use of unlawful fireworks is punishable by a fine up to $2,500 and up to one year in jail.

DC Fireworks Regulations

What types of fireworks are legal in the District of Columbia? Sparklers less than 20 inches, torches, box fire, fountains, cones, dip sticks, non-poisonous snakes, paper novelty items, colored lights, and paper caps.

Which fireworks products are illegal in DC? Firecrackers or fireworks that explode, such as cherry bombs, salutes, Roman candles, floral shells, and artillery shells.

See Also: How To Keep People, Pets Safe During 4th of July Fireworks

Fireworks Shows On And Off In 2021

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