A friendly reminder from fire and rescue officials – law enforcement around the Washington area will be out in force today targeting illegal fireworks.
“The use of illegal fireworks is dangerous and can lead to injuries, deaths and fires,” Prince William fire officials said in a news release.
Last year between June 22 and July 22, there were an estimated 5,200 fireworks-related injuries treated in U.S. emergency rooms.
“Illegal fireworks use often takes place at backyard parties, neighborhood displays and individuals' homes, posing a great threat to life and property,” the release said.
In most Northern Virginia jurisdictions, legal fireworks include cones, sparklers, sparking devices and novelties. Illegal fireworks include Roman candles, skyrockets, aerial shells with mortars and firecrackers.
Anyone caught with illegal fireworks will be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
For more information about selecting and using legal fireworks, or if you would like to safely dispose of illegal fireworks, contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at 703-792-6360, or visit the website at www.pwcgov.org/fire.
“The use of illegal fireworks is dangerous and can lead to injuries, deaths and fires,” Prince William fire officials said in a news release.
Last year between June 22 and July 22, there were an estimated 5,200 fireworks-related injuries treated in U.S. emergency rooms.
“Illegal fireworks use often takes place at backyard parties, neighborhood displays and individuals' homes, posing a great threat to life and property,” the release said.
In most Northern Virginia jurisdictions, legal fireworks include cones, sparklers, sparking devices and novelties. Illegal fireworks include Roman candles, skyrockets, aerial shells with mortars and firecrackers.
Anyone caught with illegal fireworks will be charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.
For more information about selecting and using legal fireworks, or if you would like to safely dispose of illegal fireworks, contact the Fire Marshal’s Office at 703-792-6360, or visit the website at www.pwcgov.org/fire.