Alexandria Fire Department Reminds Community that Fireworks are Dangerous and Illegal

Page updated on August 16, 2024 at 10:40 AM
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The Alexandria Fire Department (AFD) wants to keep you, your family, and your pets safe during your Fourth of July celebrations. AFD is reminding those who visit, live and work in the City of Alexandria that it is illegal to possess, sell, store, or use any fireworks within the city limits – including sparklers, novelty items, or any fireworks that can be otherwise legally purchased in neighboring jurisdictions. 

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) 8 deaths and 9,700 injuries involving fireworks were reported in 2023. Statistics show that between 2008 and 2023, injuries from fireworks have increased overall, despite recent data showing a steady decline since the peak in 2020 during the pandemic when public displays were canceled. Collected data has provided the following information:  

  • Teenagers ages 15 to 19 years of age had the highest estimated rate of emergency department-treated, fireworks-related injuries, with children ages 5-9 years old having the second highest rate. 
  • There were an estimated 800 emergency department-treated injuries associated with firecrackers and 700 with sparklers.  
  • The parts of the body most often injured by fireworks were hands and fingers (an estimated 35 percent of injuries) along with head, face, and ears (an estimated 22 percent). 
  • About 42 percent of the emergency department-treated fireworks-related injuries were for burns. 
  • Most of these incidents occur during the Fourth of July weekend. 

Alexandria residents can enjoy the beauty of fireworks at City-sponsored events, such as the City Birthday celebration scheduled for Saturday, July 13, or First Night Alexandria. Additionally, there are many local displays in surrounding localities throughout the Independence Day holiday weekend. For information on City events, visit the City website, or call the Special Events Hotline at 703.746.5592 or 703.746.5418. 

Fireworks violations are criminal violations under the Code of the City of Alexandria and carry a penalty of a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $2,500 fine, up to 12 months in jail, or both. Fireworks violations may be reported 24 hours a day by calling 703.746.4444. For immediate police, fire, or emergency medical assistance, call 911. 

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you. Please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3960.

Alexandria at 275: Connecting to our past to define a brighter future.
Since its 1749 founding, the historic city of Alexandria has played a major role in our nation’s story and reflected its progress toward inclusivity. Join us at events from April through September as we mark Alexandria's 275th anniversary and embark on the next chapter in our city’s vibrant history at alexandriava.gov/ALX275.