Are Fireworks Legal in Fairfax County?

As the Fourth of July approaches, fireworks stands pop up along the road and even stores like Target get in on the action.

Depending on where you live and where you will be celebrating the July 4th holiday, there are different rules on what you can buy and what you can use. In some local jurisdictions, the sale and use of fireworks — even sparklers — is prohibited.

Penalties range from hefty fines to jail time, so when you are planning your July 4th backyard barbeque, be careful where you buy fireworks and make sure you can use them.

Here’s what you need to know, based on information from each jurisdiction’s website:

Fairfax County

The use and sale of certain fireworks is permitted in Fairfax County, but the County Fire Marshal closely regulates what can be sold or used and who can sell them.

The sale of approved fireworks is permitted only by those vendors who have an approved Fire Prevention Code Permit from the County Fire Marshal.

Permissible fireworks, and the use of such fireworks, must meet the following stipulations:

·       Shall be approved by the Fairfax County Fire Marshal

·       Shall not explode.

·       Shall not move or perform as a projectile.

·       Shall not emit flame or sparks to a distance greater than 5 meters (16.4 feet).

·       Shall not be thrown or placed on any surface or article where it can cause an unwanted fire.

·       Shall not be used on private property without the approval of the property owner.

·       Shall not be sold or stored on the property of another without the express written permission of the property owner.

·       Shall not be sold to persons under the age of 18 unless the person is accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

·       Shall not be used or ignited inside, under, or within 50 feet from any structure.

·       Shall not be used or ignited within 100 feet of tents or membrane structures.

·       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.

Fairfax has compiled an extensive list of permissible items ranging from the “Flash Ray Gun” to “Missile War.” See the full list of permissible items here.

See fireworks rules for Washington DC and other area jurisdictions.