Independence Day is fast approaching, and with it comes celebrations, cook outs, outdoor activities and FIREWORKS. Dinwiddie County Fire & EMS wants to be sure that citizens are aware of the laws regulating fireworks and the safety rules for fireworks use.
In Virginia, it is illegal to possess, manufacture, sale, store or use, ignite, or explode any firecrackers, skyrockets, or similar things that contain any explosives or inflammable compound or substances that explode, rise into the air or travel laterally, or fire projectiles into the air.
These fireworks can be used by permit only in accordance with the Statewide Fire Prevention Code Section 3308. In addition, permits for the display of these fireworks will only be approved in accordance with the SFPC Section 3308 which requires a person certified by the State Fire Marshal’s Office as a pyrotechnician (fireworks operator) be identified on the permit application and be present during the fireworks display. Further details and/or permits are obtained by contacting Dinwiddie Fire & EMS at (804) 469-5388.
The only fireworks legally allowed to be sold or used in Dinwiddie County are called permissible fireworks. Permissible fireworks are defined as sparklers, fountains, Pharaoh’s serpents, caps for pistols and pinwheels (commonly known as whirligigs or spinning jennies).
Permissible fireworks may be used without a permit on private property with the consent of the owner of such property.
Please observe these safety precautions when using permissible fireworks of any kind:
• Always read and follow label directions
• Have an adult supervise all fireworks activities
• Buy from a reliable fireworks dealer
• Ignite outdoors
• Have water handy
• Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks
• Light one at a time
• Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks
• Never give fireworks to small children
• Dispose of fireworks properly
• Never throw fireworks
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket
• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers