Before You Light Up the Night, C’ville Fire Has a Word of Caution About July 4th

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Fireworks and fireworks displays can be fun and enjoyable for all ages but can be dangerous and destructive. Fireworks account for a substantial number of preventable injuries and fires each year. These injuries and damages mainly occur during the Fourth of July holiday celebrations but can happen anytime fireworks are being used. Because fireworks can be very hazardous, the best way to enjoy them is by viewing displays put on by trained and certified professionals. The Charlottesville Fire Department wants to remind the community that ALL fireworks are illegal in the City of Charlottesville. Remember: Misuse of fireworks that results in death, injury, or property loss shall incur civil or criminal liability. Our goal at the Charlottesville Fire Department is to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July. Please help us protect you and your loved ones. You may review the City of Charlottesville code on fireworks below. For any additional fireworks-related questions, contact the Charlottesville Fire Department at 434-970-3240. You may also visit us on Facebook and Twitter. Chapter 12 – FIRE PREVENTION AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES Sec. 12-1. – Violations. Except as otherwise specified, any person who violates the provisions of this article shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. Sec. 12-32. – Local regulations. (5) Fireworks —No person shall have, keep, store, use, discharge, manufacture, sell, handle or transport any fireworks in the City, except as provided within this section. Nothing in this section shall apply to: a. Any materials or equipment that is used or to be used by any person for signaling or other emergency use in the operation of any railroad train or other vehicle for the transportation of persons or property. b. Any officer or member of the armed forces, while acting within the scope of his authority and duties as such, nor to any offer of sale or sale of fireworks to any authorized agent of such armed forces. The Fire Chief may, upon due application, issue a permit to a properly qualified person for giving a pyrotechnic display of fireworks in the public parks or other open places. Such permits shall impose such restrictions as, in the opinion of the Fire Chief, may be necessary to properly safeguard life and property in each case. The term “fireworks,” as used in this section, shall mean and refer to any firecracker, sparkler, roman candle, fire balloon, signal light, squib, rocket, railroad track or other torpedo, skyrocket, flashlight composition, or other substance or object, of whatever form or construction, that contains any explosive or inflammable compound or substance, and which explodes, rises into the air, travels laterally, or fires projectiles into the air to obtain visible or audible pyrotechnic effects.