What Fireworks Are Allowed In Prince William County For 4th Of July, Approved Stands

WOODBRIDGE, VA — The Independence Day holiday means numerous fireworks shows will brighten the skies at dusk on July 4 and surrounding days. Some families like to celebrate with their own fireworks, but it's crucial to know what Prince William County allows before setting them off.

Prince William County only allows select fireworks sold at fire marshal-approved stands for residents to use. Generally, fireworks like sparklers, Pharaoh’s serpents, pinwheels/whirligigs and spinning jennies are allowed to be used on private property. The fireworks stands may be open from June 1 to July 15.

Fireworks that explode, emit flame or sparks past 12 feet, rise into the air, travel laterally, work as a projectile or fire projectiles other than sparks are illegal to possess or use in Prince William County and across Virginia. The offense could lead to a class 1 misdemeanor charge, which carries a penalty up to 12 months in jail and fine up to $2,500. The cities of Manassas and Manassas Park have similar policies.

Prince William County Fire and Rescue says illegal fireworks should not be thrown in the trash at home. Residents who would like help to dispose of unauthorized fireworks can contact the Prince William County Fire Marshal’s Office without penalties at 703-792-6360.

"The Fire Marshal’s Office would like to warn County citizens that many fireworks sold through the mail/online or purchased from companies in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina are dangerous and illegal," the fire department said in a news release. "Possession of these products is prohibited, in Virginia, and buyers should be aware and cautious of what they are buying."

Fireworks stands approved by the fire marshal in Prince William County, available to view on this interactive map, are:

• 13618 Richmond Hwy, Woodbridge, VA
• 13976 Richmond Hwy, Woodbridge, VA
• 14087 Richmond Hwy, Woodbridge, VA
• 15807 Richmond Hwy, Woodbridge, VA
• 14000 Worth Ave, Woodbridge, VA
• 2860 Dale Blvd, Woodbridge, VA
• 4176 Dale Blvd, Woodbridge, VA
• 4385 Dale Blvd, Woodbridge, VA
• 3001 Old Bridge Rd, Woodbridge, VA
• 3705 Old Bridge Rd, Woodbridge, VA
• 14635 Spriggs Rd, Woodbridge, VA
• 5533 Mapledale Plz, Dale City, VA
• 6306 Hoadly Rd, Manassas, VA
• 4202 Fortuna Center Plz, Montclair, VA
• 17041 Richmond Hwy, Dumfries, VA
• 17064 Richmond Hwy, Dumfries, VA
• 5515 Ashland Community Sq, Manassas, VA
• 15012 Dumfries Rd, Manassas, VA
• 10010 Sowder VIllage Sq, Manassas, VA
• 9401 Liberia Ave, Manassas, VA
• 7217 Centreville Rd, Manassas, VA
• 7681 Sudley Rd, Manassas, VA
• 7811 Sudley Rd, Manassas, VA
• 7501 Linton Hall Rd, Gainesville, VA
• 6530 Trading Sq, Haymarket, VA
• 5200 Merchants View Sq, Haymarket, VA

Prince William County Fire and Rescue recommends attending a public fireworks show as the safest way to enjoy fireworks. Fireworks shows may set their own policies on whether permitted fireworks like sparklers are banned at their events. Check each event website to see if personal fireworks use is not allowed.

SEE ALSO:

• July 4th 2024 Fireworks, Events Around Woodbridge
• July 4th 2024 Fireworks, Events Around Manassas

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's report on firework injuries and deaths, there were eight non-occupational fireworks-related deaths in 2023. Five of the deaths were tied to firework misuse, two were due to fireworks malfunction or misfire, and one had unknown circumstances. In all of 2023, the commission estimated there were 9,700 fireworks injuries resulting in emergency room visits.

Fireworks safety tips recommended by Prince William County's fire department include:

• 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 not place used fireworks in combustible trash cans or bags.
• Never aim or throw fireworks at another person.
• Never try to re-ignite fireworks that malfunction or fail to go off.
• Do not wear loose clothing when using fireworks.
• Never experiment or make your own fireworks.
• Never carry 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.