Firework Safety

The Arlington County Fire Department wants everyone to enjoy the 4th of July holiday this year by keeping it safe. Fireworks are dangerous and lighting fireworks should be left to the experts. We encourage everyone to safely enjoy the public firework displays.

Follow these links for guidance on enjoying July 4th in Arlington County and some recommended fireworks viewing locations.

Firework-related injuries are serious! The Center for Product Safety Commission received reports of 1 deaths and an estimated 14,700 injuries involving fireworks in 2024. [CPSC] 

Here is more guidance on using fireworks in Arlington.

• (PDF, 484KB)2026 Approved Permissible Consumer Fireworks(PDF, 647KB)

If you plan to use fireworks outside your home, follow these legal and safety tips:

Limitations & Prohibitions

• Illegal Fireworks include:
  • Fireworks that explode, emit flames or sparks to a distance greater than 12 feet, have a burning fuse less than one and one half (1.5) inches long with a burning rate of less than 4 seconds which emit projectiles.
  • Fireworks that explode in any form, such as firecrackers, mortars and cherry bombs.
  • Fireworks that leave the ground or rise in the air (other than a fountain), such as bottle rockets, mortars or roman candles.
• The sale of fireworks to minors (less than 18 years of age) is prohibited, unless a parent or legal guardian accompanies the minor.
• Usage of permissible consumer fireworks(PDF, 647KB)  by minors (less than 18 years of age) must be under adult supervision.
• Permissible consumer fireworks(PDF, 647KB)  shall be used on private property with the permission of the property owner. Use of any fireworks on County, State of Federal property, such as streets, schools and parks, or any public right of way, is prohibited.
• The penalty for possession, distribution, use or sale of illegal fireworks is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine of up to $2,500 or 12 months in jail, or both, and confiscation of the fireworks. Parties are subject to additional charges for use of illegal fireworks, such as failure to obtain a Fireworks Permit(PDF, 484KB) and not being a Virginia State licensed Pyro technician.

Fireworks Safety Tips

• Keep a minimum clearance of 25 feet from people and buildings.
• Wet down the area before shooting fireworks.
• Follow the label directions carefully and use good sense.
• Buy fireworks only from established retail outlets displaying a valid permit issued by the Arlington County Office of the Fire Marshal.
• A responsible adult, whom is not under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, must supervise fireworks activities at all times.
• Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
• Use fireworks outdoors only, in a clear area, away from buildings and vehicles.
• Light only one a time and then move away.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a garden hose nearby or a bucket of water to place used fireworks in. Let them soak to ensure extinguishment before placing in regular trash for pickup.
• More info can be found here:  Consumer Fireworks Fact Sheet and Fireworks Safety(PDF, 2MB)