Virginia Fire Marshal's Office Asks Residents to 'Leave Fireworks to the Professionals'

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — As the Fourth of July approaches, the Virginia Fire Marshal's Office is asking Virginians to “leave the fireworks to the professionals.”

About 9,700 people were injured and eight people were killed, including one in Virginia, by fireworks across the country in 2023, according to the U.S. Consumer Projects Safety Commission.

“Misuse of fireworks can be deadly,” said Virginia State Fire Marshal Billy Hux. “Play it safe this holiday season by enjoying fireworks at a professionally-produced show.”

Many localities in Virginia have banned the sale, possession and use of fireworks. The Fire Marshal's Office urges Virginians to check their local ordinances, as well as the state's fire code before purchasing or using fireworks.

A list of permitted fireworks in Virginia is available here. Selling or possessing fireworks that are not licensed in Virginia is a Class 1 misdemeanor and can result in a fine of up to $2,500 and up to one year in jail.

All Virginians who live in a locality where consumer fireworks are legal and who wish to use permitted fireworks are urged by the Fire Marshal's Office to take the following precautions:

• Keep a bucket of water or garden hose handy in case of fire or other incident. Soak used and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before disposing of them.
• Light the fireworks one by one, then quickly move away from the pyrotechnic device.
• Never try to relight or handle defective fireworks. Dip them in water and throw them away.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a firework when lighting the fuse.
• Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone.
• Consider safe alternatives to fireworks, such as firecrackers, bubbles, strings or glow sticks.

More information on fireworks safety can be found on the Virginia Department of Fire programs site. website.