Celebrate 4th of July Safely – Leave Fireworks to the Professionals
Rarely do we consider fireworks harmful much less deadly; yet fireworks are one of the biggest
fire dangers to life and property. Each year, thousands of fireworks–related injuries are treated in
hospital emergency departments throughout the United States. Although Prince William County
permits the use of some fireworks, restrictions apply and for good reason. No matter how
breathtaking fireworks are or how easy they appear to use, they are potential fire starters. Chief
Tim Keen, of the Prince William County Fire and Rescue System, encourages residents to leave
fireworks demonstrations to trained professionals by enjoying one of the many larger aerial
fireworks shows in the District, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area.
The following locations in the county have permitted aerial fireworks displays:
• 12500 Kyle Wilson Drive (Catharpin Park) – Friday, July 1st
• 1 Turtle Point Drive (Robert Trent Jones) – Saturday, July 2nd
• 14610 Glenkirk Road – Saturday, July 2nd
• 4398 Spillway Lane (Lake Montclair – Dolphin Beach) – Monday, July 4th
• 3730 Greentree Lane (Rose Gaming Resort, formerly Potomac Landfill) – Saturday, July 9th
However, should you choose to purchase fireworks, Chief Keen recommends purchasing from
fireworks stands that have been inspected and approved by the Fire Marshal’s Office. All stands in
Prince William County are properly permitted to sell fireworks displayed. To view the list of 2022
To assist residents in preparation for the Fourth of July and additional festivities held throughout
the summer, the Fire Marshal’s Office suggests the following fireworks safety tips:
• Fireworks should only be ignited by an adult.
• Fireworks should only be used outdoors in an open space clear of spectators, buildings,
vehicles, debris, and flammable materials or on a driveway, sidewalk, or other fire-resistant
surface. Remember, fires are caused by careless handling of fireworks in areas exposed to
sparks or live fireworks.
• Keep spectators a safe distance away from permissible fireworks at a minimum of 25 feet
for ground items.
•Keep a bucket of water handy in case sparks start a fire.
•Be sure children around fireworks know to stop, drop,and roll if their clothing catches on
fire.
•Deposit sparklers in a metal container as they may be stepped on while hot or lost in the
grass and stepped on while playing.
•DO NOTplace used fireworks in combustible trash cans or bags.
•NEVERaim or throw fireworks at another person.
•NEVERtry to re–ignite fireworks that malfunction or fail to go off.
•DO NOTwear loose clothing when using fireworks.
•NEVERexperiment or make your own fireworks.
•NEVERcarry fireworks in your pocket.
•Pets may be frightened by the noise and lights of fireworks; keep pets inside or away from
the area when in use.
Illegal Fireworks
Illegal Fireworks in Prince William County without approved permits aredefined as:
Any firecracker, torpedo, skyrocket, or other substance or object, of whatever form or
construction, that contains any explosive or inflammable compound or substance, and is
intended, or commonly known as fireworks, and which explodes, rises into the air or travels
laterally, or fires projectiles into the air.
The Fire Marshal’s Office would like to warn County citizens many fireworks sold through the
mail/onlineor purchased from companies in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina are
illegal. A local radio station is running advertisements from a West Virginia fireworks company.
Buyers should be aware and cautious of what they are buying. Many of their products are
dangerous and unlawful to possess in Virginia.
If you are in possession of illegal fireworks, please contact the Prince William County Fire Marshal’s
Office for disposal at 703–792–6360. DO NOTthrow them in the garbage! Turning in illegal
fireworks will not result in any fines or summons, and no questions will be asked.
For more information on fireworks safety, visit the National Fire Protection Association, the National Council on Fireworks Safety, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
