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Many consumer fireworks are not available for sale in Northern Virginia because they are illegal. Aerial shells, firecrackers, cherry bombs, roman candles, and skyrockets are just a few examples. These fireworks are often purchased in other localities and are the most common types associated with fireworks-related injuries.

Because of the potential hazards to persons and property, the Fairfax County Fire Marshal regulates fireworks and indoor pyrotechnics in Fairfax County and the towns of Clifton, Herndon and Vienna. Moreover, in accordance with the Fire Prevention Code, it shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to transport, manufacture, store, possess, sell, offer for sale, expose for sale, or to buy, use, ignite or explode any fireworks in these localities. There are, however, exceptions permitting the retail sale and use of certain approved fireworks, commonly known as consumer fireworks (Division 1.4G). Consumer fireworks legally permitted for retail sale and use in Fairfax County are known as permissible fireworks.

The term "fireworks" does not apply to automobile flares, paper caps containing not more than an average of 0.25 grain (16 mg) of explosive content per cap, or toy pistols, toy canes, toy guns or other devices utilizing such caps and items commonly known as party pops, pop rocks, and snap-n-pops.

Many of the forms, guidelines, and publications provided by the Fire Marshal are available for viewing in Adobe's Portable Document Format (PDF). This is a popular format for viewing electronic documents online. To view and print the PDF version of a guideline or publication, you must have Adobe Reader installed on your computer. Download a FREE copy of Adobe Reader

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LIMITATIONS & PROHIBITIONS

• Use of Fireworks
  Unless expressly approved by the Fire Marshal in the form of a Fire Prevention Code Permit (FPCP), the exploding, igniting, and use of fireworks is strictly prohibited in Fairfax County and the towns of Clifton, Herndon, and Vienna. However, the supervised use of permissible fireworks on private property with the consent of the owner of such property is allowed, and a permit is not required. Fireworks obtained or purchased in other localities that are not permissible fireworks, as outlined in this publication, shall be prohibited.
  
  
• Sale of Fireworks
  Unless expressly approved by the Fire Marshal in the form of a Fire Prevention Code Permit (FPCP), offering for sale, exposing for sale, retailing, and wholesaling fireworks is prohibited in Fairfax County and the towns of Clifton, Herndon, and Vienna.
  
  
• Storage of Fireworks
  Unless expressly approved by the Fire Marshal in the form of a Fire Prevention Code Permit (FPCP), the storage and possession of fireworks is strictly prohibited in Fairfax County and the towns of Clifton, Herndon, and Vienna. However, the safe storage of permissible fireworks on private property with the consent of the owner of such property is allowed, and a permit is not required.
  
  
• Manufacturing of Fireworks
  The manufacturing of fireworks is prohibited in Fairfax County and the towns of Clifton, Herndon, and Vienna. In addition, the use of pyrotechnic material obtained through the dismantling of fireworks for the purpose of building, assembling, or fabricating another fireworks device, incendiary device, or explosive device, is strictly prohibited. Permissible fireworks devices shall not be altered or modified.
  
  
• Transportation of Fireworks
  The transportation of fireworks, when permitted, shall be in accordance with applicable federal and state regulations.
  
  

• Disposal of Fireworks
  If you would like to dispose of any illegal or unwanted fireworks in your possession without penalty, please contact the Fire Marshal at 703-246-4849, TTY 711.

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FIREWORKS ACCIDENTS

Accidents involving the use of fireworks which result in personal injury or property damage shall be immediately reported to the Fire Marshal.

• Emergency situations should be reported by calling 911.
• Non-emergency situations can be reported by calling 703-691-2131.

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GUIDELINES & PERMIT APPLICATIONS

• Guideline - Retail Sales of Permissible Fireworks
• Guideline - Outdoor Fireworks Displays
• Guideline - Indoor Pyrotechnics Displays
• 2009 Approved Permissible Fireworks List (PDF)
• Permit Application - Retail Sales of Fireworks, Fireworks Stands (PDF)
• Permit Application - Retail Sales of Fireworks, Mercantile Occupancies (PDF)
• Permit Application - Wholesale Fireworks (PDF)
• Permit Application - Outdoor Fireworks Display (Aerial / Proximate Audience) (PDF)
• Permit Application - Indoor Pyrotechnic Display (Proximate Audience) (PDF)

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ADVISORIES & NOTICES

• Letter to Community & Industry - Wholesale Fireworks
• Letter to Community & Industry - Increased Separation Distance for Multi-Tube Aerial Fireworks Devices

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PERMISSIBLE FIREWORKS

Permissible fireworks, and the use of such fireworks, shall comply with the following:

• They shall not explode.
• They shall not move or perform as a projectile.
• They shall not emit flame or sparks to a distance greater than 5 meters (16.4 feet).
• They shall not be thrown or placed on any surface or article where it can cause an unwanted fire.
• They shall be used only on private property with the approval of the property owner.
• During the use of permissible fireworks, minors should be supervised by a parent or legal guardian.
• They shall not be used or ignited inside, under, or within 50 feet from any structure.
• They shall not be used or ignited within 100 feet of tents or membrane structures.
• They shall not be used or ignited within 300 feet of all fireworks retail sales locations including fireworks stands.
• Smoking shall be prohibited inside or within 50 feet of fireworks retail sales areas including fireworks stands.
• Smoking shall be prohibited within 25 feet of all permissible (consumer) fireworks located outside.
• Use of permissible fireworks for any purpose other than the approved and intended use shall be prohibited.
• Fireworks shall be used in accordance with manufacturers' instructions/directions.

2009 Approved Permissible Fireworks List (PDF)

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FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
• 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.
• Adults should always supervise activities involving the use of permissible fireworks. Parents often do not realize there are more injuries from sparklers to children under five than from any other type of fireworks. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees, which is hot enough to melt some metals.
• Never have any 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 handy 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.
• When using permissible fireworks, place the device on a flat surface, clear of any combustible material and clear of all buildings (50 feet).
• Keep all bystanders at least 25 feet away from fireworks.
• Read the directions.
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.

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	Office of the Fire Marshal Fire Inspections Branch 10700 Page Avenue Fairfax, Virginia 22030 Telephone: 703-246-4849 Fax: 703-246-4872

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