Fireworks safety urged ahead of Fourth of July holiday
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In an effort to promote firework safety for the Fourth of July weekend, the Virginia Department of Fire Programs - State Fire Marshal’s Office is urging people to leave the handling of fireworks to professionals.
Sales, possession, or use of fireworks in many Virginia localities is prohibited. The State Fire Marshal’s office encourages Virginians to check their local ordinances and the Statewide Fire Prevention Code before purchasing and using fireworks. As stated in the Code of Virginia, only “permissible fireworks” can be legally sold, possessed or used in the state.
“As in years past, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, Local Fire Marshals and Local Law Enforcement will be out inspecting retail locations to ensure items being sold meet the Code of Virginia definition for permissible fireworks,” said VDFP Assistant State Fire Marshal of Special Operations Billy Hux.
Firework violations can be prosecuted as a Class I misdemeanor and punishable by a $2,500 fine and/or up to one year in jail.
For details, visit www.vafire.com.
