Fairfax County Regulations and Guidelines in Simple Terms:

• All fireworks and related items that explode, detonate, deflagrate, expel flames, fly through the air, or fly across the ground are illegal for residential use in Fairfax County.
• Permissible Fireworks purchased in Fairfax County from permitted vendors can be used following manufacturer guidelines and safe practices on private property (not public spaces or roadways).  See the Fireworks and Flame Effects - State Fire Marshal's Office web page for the current year's permissible fireworks list.
• Publicly accessible, permitted, outdoor, fireworks displays occur in multiple locations where professional fireworks can be observed.
• Fireworks purchased outside Fairfax County cannot be transported through, or used in, Fairfax County regardless of the regulations in the jurisdiction where they were purchased.
• Some items appear to be fireworks but are not; their use is permitted.
• Automobile warning flares and boat distress flares are not considered fireworks.  However, warning flares can be unsafe when improperly used and boat distress devices are illegal to use in/near waterways except during actual emergencies.  All parts of Fairfax County are near flat or moving waterways.

GENERAL GUIDELINE FOR SAFE FIREWORKS USE

NEVER DISPOSE OF USED/UNUSED/MISFIRED/DUD FIREWORKS IN DUMPSTERS OR TRASH WITHOUT SOAKING THEM IN WATER FIRST.

• Only adults should handle fireworks; do not allow children to use fireworks or sparklers.
• Use only legally purchased, approved fireworks.
• Only purchase an amount needed for your planned display; do not keep fireworks in your home.
• Prior to use, store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
• Read all instructions prior to use.
• Have a bucket and garden hose available and use appropriate eye protection.
• Place fireworks on a flat surface, clear of combustible materials and clear of all buildings.
• Keep bystanders at least 25 feet away.
• Light only one firework at a time.
• Never throw fireworks.
• Do not relight fireworks that fail to activate.
  • Leave them isolated for at least 15 minutes.
  • Soak them in water for an additional 5 minutes.
  • Place them in a plastic trash bag and dispose of them in regular trash.

Regulation of Fireworks & Pyrotechnics in Fairfax County: Because of the potential hazards to persons and property, the Fairfax County Office of the Fire Marshal closely regulates fireworks and pyrotechnics in Fairfax County and the towns of Clifton, Herndon and Vienna. In accordance with the Code of Virginia (Section 27-96.1) and the provisions of the Statewide Fire Prevention Code (Chapter 56).  Thus, 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 sale and use of certain consumer fireworks approved by the Office of the Fire Marshal.  These are known as "Permissible Fireworks" and are legally permitted for sale and use.  In addition, outdoor fireworks displays are permitted when approved by the Office of the Fire Marshal, and after a Fire Prevention Code Permit (FPCP) has been issued to the person, firm, or corporation making application for a permit to conduct fireworks or pyrotechnic displays.

Illegal Fireworks: Each year, there are many fires and injuries from improper use of fireworks, including in the Northern Virginia region, as a direct result of improper or illegal use. Fires cause significant damage and injuries can be serious, leaving some people with permanent disabilities. As noted above, most fireworks are not available for sale in Northern Virginia and though they may be purchased in other states, it is illegal to use or transport them in/through Fairfax County. Examples of these are aerial shells, firecrackers, cherry bombs, roman candles, and skyrockets.

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.

LIMITATIONS & PROHIBITIONS

• Use of Fireworks: Unless expressly approved by the Office of 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. It is critically important that manufacturer guidelines are followed, and residents must ensure their use of fireworks does not affect neighboring private or public property.  Fireworks obtained or purchased in other localities that are not permissible fireworks approved by the Office of the Fire Marshal shall be prohibited.
• Sale of Fireworks: Unless expressly approved by the Office of 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 Office of 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 Illegal or Unwanted Consumer Fireworks: If you would like to dispose of any illegal or unwanted consumer fireworks in your possession without penalty, please contact the County Fire Marshal at 703-246-4849, TTY 711.

REPORTING FIREWORKS ACCIDENTS

For emergencies call 911.  Firework incidents resulting in personal injury or property damage shall be immediately reported to the Fairfax County Office of the Fire Marshal through the Department of Public Safety Communications (DPSC).  Non-emergency situations can be reported by calling 703-691-2131 (DPSC).

NOTICES & PERMIT APPLICATIONS

To apply for a Fireworks and Pyrotechnic permit, applications and required documents can be found on our Planning and Land Use System (PLUS) where you can apply for the following permits:

• Retail Sales of Fireworks, Firework Stands
• Retail Sales of Fireworks, Mercantile Occupancies
• Outdoor Fireworks Display