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Sale, Storage & Handling of Permissible Fireworks
The Prince William County Fire Prevention Code states that except as otherwise provided in the code, it shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to transport, manufacture, store, possess, sell, offer for sale, expose for sale or to buy, use, ignite, or explode any fireworks. Various other sections of the code set forth regulations applicable to the sale of permissible fireworks. These regulations are summarized as follows:
Application for a hazardous use permit shall be filed with the Fire Marshal's Office accompanied with a certificate of liability insurance with minimum limits as defined in PERMIT FOR DISPLAY above. A fee of $500.00 shall be charged for each permit, and each sales location shall have a separate permit. When the hazardous use permit is granted, it shall be displayed in a conspicuous place at all times at the sales location.
"NO SMOKING" signs shall be placed every ten (10) feet of sales area and location where they are visible to persons approaching the stand.
One 2A:10B:C rated fire extinguisher shall be provided for every one hundred (100) feet of sales area. Extinguishers are to be hung in visible and accessible location.
Stand shall not be less than fifty (50) feet from: (a) buildings of combustible construction, (b) opening in building of other construction. A stand closer than one hundred (100) to any location as mentioned above shall have side or sides enclosed which face the exposed structure. This enclosure is to be of substantial material that will satisfactorily deflect the discharge of fireworks.
No stand shall not be located on property where Class I or Class II flammable liquids are stored or dispensed, nor shall a stand be located within one hundred (100) feet of a dispensing operation.
A distance of at least twenty-five (25) feet from the stand or building shall be kept clear of any brush, undergrowth, or combustible material capable of spreading fire.
All fuses of individual fireworks shall be taped to prevent their easy ignition.
Compliance with the Prince William County Noise Ordinance.
Failure to maintain the above standards shall be basis for revocation of the Hazardous Use Permit. Granting of a Hazardous Use Permit does not relieve the owner and/operator from securing other necessary permits or licenses.
Any fireworks which emit flame or sparks to distances greater than twelve (12) feet or perform as a projectile are prohibited.
All fireworks shall have prior approval by this office before they can be stored or sold.
No person below the age of eighteen (18) years of age shall be allowed to engage in the business of selling or offering to sell any fireworks. No wholesaler, retailer, jobber, etc., shall offer or sell any fireworks to any person under eighteen (18) years of age shall be prohibited unless the person is accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. There shall be a competent person, at least eighteen (18) years of age, in charge of and working in each location at all times.
A fireworks retailer must request their permit inspection at least 48 hours in advance. The applicant must have their stand ready for the inspection--this includes having approved fireworks on site and ready for inspection. No fireworks can be sold until the permit has been issued.
The above regulations apply generally; however, should any outstanding hazard occur as a result of the proposed operations, even though the above were met, such display and/or sale will not be permitted.
Fireworks are not permitted to be sold within any occupancy.