City of Virginia Beach, VA

05/27/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/27/2022 07:21

Virginia Beach Fire Department Reminds Citizens Fireworks are ILLEGAL in Virginia Beach

​VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (May 27, 2022) -Virginia Beach public safety officials want to keep you, your family, and your pets safe this Memorial Day weekend. The Virginia Beach Fire Department wants to remind residents and visitors that the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, the Code of Virginia, and the Virginia Beach City Code Section 12-43.2, strictly prohibits fireworks and pyrotechnics within the city limits, unless approved by the Fire Marshal's Office through the permit application process and compliance with the terms and conditions of the permit.

Regardless of where they are purchased, possession or use of fireworks is a violation of the Virginia State Fire Prevention Code. This specifically prohibits firecrackers, skyrockets, torpedoes, and other fireworks that explode, travel laterally, rise into the air, or fire projectiles in the air. This also includes sparklers, which burn at 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit.

As much as we all enjoy watching fireworks, they are dangerous and can cause devastation to people and property. Every year adults and children are seriously injured and fires ignited by people setting off illegal fireworks across the city. According to the National Fire Protection Association, an estimated 19,500 fires, started by fireworks, were reported to local fire departments in the US during 2018. These fires caused five civilian deaths, 46 civilian injuries, and $105 million in direct property damage.

Illegal fireworks are a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to one-year in jail and or a $2,500.00 fine.

To report the use of illegal fireworks, contact VB311 Citizen Services by dialing 311 or visit www.VBgov.com for online assistance.

To report emergencies, including the presence of fire or flames, continue to call 911.

For information on fireworks, call the Fire Marshal's Office at (757) 385-4228.

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