Fire Marshal’s Office

USE AND POSSESSION OF FIREWORKS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. How do I know what fireworks are illegal?
A. All approved and legal fireworks are sold at approved stands. The list of approved (legal) fireworks is available here. The locations of approved fireworks stands will be posted when available. Check your local newspaper and its website for available viewing displays.

Q: Are all of the fireworks purchased at a fireworks stand in PWC legal?
A: Yes all fireworks at approved stands are legal.

Q: How do I know if a stand is approved?
A: Fireworks stands in Prince William County must be approved by the Fire Marshal’s Office before fireworks can be sold. Locations of approved stands will be posted when available. Additionally the stand will have an Operational Permit conspicuously posted inside the stand indicating the stand has been inspected and approved by a representative from the Fire Marshal’s Office.

Q: Do Fire Marshals monitor or license the roadside stands?
A: Yes fireworks stands go through a permitting process for approval. The fireworks stand operator will contact the Fire Marshal to schedule an inspection for permit issuance. During their operation the Fire Marshal will conduct spot checks of the stands to ensure compliance.

Q: Where do I turn in illegal fireworks?
A: Contact Prince William County Fire Marshal's Office at 703-792-6360.

Q: You state there are no questions asked when illegal fireworks are surrendered. If I have a stash of fireworks who do I contact to come and take them away?
A: Contact the Prince William County Fire Marshal's Office for disposal at 703-792-6360. Do not throw them in the garbage!

Q: If I call you to come out to my house and some of my fireworks are illegal will you give me a ticket?
A: No the fireworks can be voluntarily released to the Fire Marshal for disposal.

Q: What should I do if my guests bring fireworks from another state?
A: Please review the approved list and do not use fireworks that are not on the approved list.

Q: What is the penalty for the possession or use of illegal fireworks?
A: The possession or use of unlawful fireworks is classified as a Class I Misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $2500 and/or up to one (1) year in jail.

For additional information or further questions or concerns contact the Fire Marshal's Office at 703-792-6360.